Tribute to Natter Jacks

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 'different'.

Home - Young Carers Project

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.

Support for young carers

The support available means that young carers: 

  • should not have to carry out a regular and substantial amount of caring for a disabled person
  • do not take on similar levels of caring responsibilities as adults

Local authorities should make sure that the education, development and general well-being of young carers is not affected by caring responsibilities.

CROSSROADS CARING FOR CARERS (NI) LIMITED

Assessments for young carers

Very occasionally a 16 or 17 year old who cares for someone may be entitled to an assessment. Your local council has a responsibility to make sure a young carer's well-being is looked after and that they receive necessary support. The local council should also make sure that a young person does not get trapped in a role as a carer.

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.

Barnardo's Willow Project - supporting young carers in Leeds