Barnardo's work with young carers

Who are young carers?

Young carers are children who help look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled or has mental health problems. Their day to day responsibilities often include:

• cooking
• cleaning
• shopping
• providing nursing and personal care
• giving emotional support.

With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being ‘odd’. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood. They are afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.

Facts and figures

• the average age of a young carer is 12.
• the 2001 census shows that there are 175,000 young carers in the UK, 13,000 of whom care for more than 50 hours a week.
• more than half of young carers live in one-parent families and almost a third care for someone with mental health problems.

How Barnardo’s helps

Barnardo’s runs 14 projects in the UK that support young carers and keep families together. We provide various services that make it possible for a child to just be a child:

• advice and emotional support through counselling and drop-in sessions
• support to obtain help such as home care or respite care

• opportunities for recreational and social activities
• chance to meet other young people and share experiences
• support to a child over any concerns or difficulties they may have
• time out for fun!

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