Young carers

Young carers film

Source: NHS Choices website

Under 18? Caring for an adult or a child?
If the answer is yes, you may be a "young carer".

You might be providing care for lots of different reasons, like physical illness, disability, mental health, learning difficulties, or misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Sometimes it's hard...
Most people want to help a parent, brother, sister or other family member when they can't do things for themselves, like shopping, checking their medicine, helping with washing or dressing and walking around, and talking to them and listening. But sometimes it's hard.

It can take up a lot of your time, and stop you from seeing your friends or doing the things like going to the cinema or playing a sport. It might even make you tired at school or college.

To help you cope - Suffolk Family Carers is here to help. They offer all young carers information and support to help make their lives better. They also run groups in Ipswich, Bury and Lowestoft so that you can meet with other young carers.

To find out more call the Suffolk Young Carers helpline on 01473 835430, or you can speak to youth support worker from Children and Young People's Integrated Services on Freephone 0800 085 4448.

Other support