What is it?
If you look after a parent or other relative who is ill, physically or mentally disabled, or addicted to drugs or alcohol, then you could be a young carer.
Caring factoid The latest census in England and Wales found there were 175,000 young carers. 2001 Census
I’m not sure I count as a carer
Whether you provide round-the-clock care to a single parent with severe mental illness or do just a few hours a week, you're still a carer.
I feel isolated
You're not alone. Many young carers also feel tired, angry, guilty or stressed.
What can I do?
Remember that…
- It's OK to feel peeved. You didn't ask to become a carer.
- It's fine to say 'no' sometimes.
- You don't need to feel guilty for wanting time to yourself
- It's a good idea to put aside time every day for vegging in front of the telly, doing a sport or anything else that's just for you.
- You can join a Young Carers Project
- It's good to talk. If you're finding it hard to cope, talk to an adult you trust or contact one of the helplines or websites listed below.
In association with youngcarers.net
Written by Ali Cronin
Last updated 17th June 2007
Further help and advice
- Youngcarers.net: info, advice, agony aunts, chatrooms and a discussion board.
- TheSite.org: info about young carers.
- Or call ChildLine on 0800 1111 (free) or The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (cost of a local call) 24/7 to talk about your problems.
Disclaimer: Thee BBC cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites
bryony, 15
my brother is 17 and he has the mental age of a four year old. he has downsyndrome and finds it very hard to do every day things. i took him out shopping by myself the other day, and because he finds it hard wlking he had to hold onto my arm. some guys started laughing at him saying that i was going out with a "downy". so i went up to the boys and said he was my brother and if they had a problem then they could take it up with me right there. i got really angry at them and they soon shut their mouths. i personally think its disgusting how people can be so horrible and narrow minded about people with disablities. they should try being someone like me who has to live with it everyday. i love my brother, always will and would never change him for the world. being a young carer has opened up my mind and has helped me be a better person. i do not see it as a bas thing, i see it as a way of life. without my brother, i wouldn't be the same. i just want other people to see the things i do.
onelife
familyhome_youngcarer