Young Carers

If you are under 19 and help care for somebody at home, you are what we call a young carer. The person you care for could be your mum or dad, a sister or brother, or another member of your family. You need support too.

Young carers cope with many responsibilities and you might find that you struggle to fit your school work or exam revision in around your caring duties like cooking and housework.

It can also be difficult to find time for your friends. You might find that your friends and classmates don't understand what you are going through as a young carer or that you find it difficult to tell people about what you do at home to help.

You are not on your own. There are lots of young carers out there, going through the same things as you. We have services specially designed for younger carers.

The Young Carers Project

Carers of Barking and Dagenham run a scheme called the Young Carers Project. This offers:

• someone to talk to about your worries
• friendly support and advice
• a chance to meet other young carers
• regular trips and activities; and
• a chance to have some fun doing things you enjoy

Making friends with other young people who are dealing with the same things as you can really help, and you can talk to someone who understands your situation.

Young Carers provides a huge amount of information that can be helpful.

Useful contacts

Carers of Barking and Dagenham

Carers of Barking and Dagenham website.

020 8593 4422
carers@carerscentre.org.uk

The Children's Society - Young Carers website.

Child Line

0800 1111

Childline website.

Barking and Dagenham Young Carers

020 8590 6544

Samaritans

08457 90 90 90
jo@samaritans.org

Samaritans website.

Carers Direct

For advice and support with caring issues over the phone, you can call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053.