Young carers
Young carers are children who help look after a member of the family who is sick, disabled or has mental health problems, or is misusing drugs or alcohol. 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 often afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.
Young carer facts
- The average age of a young carer is 12.
- The 2001 census showed 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.
Projects working with young carers
Barnardo’s runs projects 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
- making sure that parents get all the help they are entitled to so they can get on with being parents
- liaising with schools so teachers can support their students better
- 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!
