Are you a young carer?
Young carers are children and young people, under 18, who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability, a mental health problem or a substance misuse problem. Young carers take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
The caring can involve lots of physical care, such as personal care for a parent, giving medication, helping someone get up, get dressed or to get around. Or it could mean providing emotional support for someone who has a mental health problem or substance addiction. In addition, many young carers are also responsible for looking after younger brothers and sisters and all or most of the household chores.
The local young carers project within this area is:
Hull & East Riding Young Carers
NCH
46 Middle Street North
Driffield
YO25 6SS
Tel: 01377 272774
Fax: 01377 254010
Email: nesdc@nch.org.uk
Useful websites for young carers and professionals
Young Carers
Young Carer
What our service providers will try to achieve
Young carers should be recognised and valued, receive support for their caring role and be safeguarded against taking on unwanted responsibilities which prevent them achieving their full potential.
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Remember disabled parents are parents first and need to be supported in that role
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Be aware of the needs of children in the family when you are working with an ill or disabled person
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Respect the work of young carers and value their contributions
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Be informative and offer young carers clear accessible information
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Give time for young carers to talk about what is happening to them
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Listen to what young carers say they need
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Be flexible and creative in trying to meet the needs of young carers
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Be clear and honest about confidentiality and about who else needs to know
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Recognise that young carers need space and time to be young and carefree
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Talk to colleagues and work together to support young carers
