Young Carers
A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps care for a relative such as a parent, brother/sister or grandparent who has an illness, mental health condition, disability or drug/alcohol problem.
Typical everyday jobs and tasks might include:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Helping someone get dressed
- Talking and listening to someone who is ill
- Helping to sort out medication
- Dealing with professionals like doctors, social workers, nurses, counsellors
Caring for Young Carers
We know that young carers are amazing and help their relative(s) because they want to. But it's a big responsibility and when there is school work to be done as well, it can sometimes get a bit much.
It is not uncommon for young carers to feel resentful because they can't do all the things they see their friends doing and then they start to feel guilty and selfish for feeling that way.
Sadly some young carers are also bullied at school because they are different; money is often tight so luxury holidays and the latest fashions are out of the question. Also young carers often have a more grown up attitude because of their responsibilities.
It's important that young carers take good care of themselves as well as those they care for.
For more information about young carers visit the Carers Direct website or use any of the contacts provided below.
Bolton Young Carers Service is a local project run by the charity Banardo's. They are based at:
92 Chorley New Road
Bolton BL1 4DH
Tel: 01204 848209
You'll find an online community of young carers at www.youngcarers.net and there's an NHS Carers Direct helpline you can ring on 0808 802 0202.
Details of these and other organisations are found in our Young Carers factsheet.