- A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health problems or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
- They often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
- Older young carers, aged 16-25, are also known as young adult carers and they may have different support needs to younger carers.
What a Young Carers do...
Young carers and young adult carers undertake a range of tasks to support their family member.
This might include shopping, cooking, cleaning, managing medicines or money, providing personal care, helping people get out the house, keeping an eye on someone or providing emotional support.