What is a young carer?
A young carer is a child or young person under 18 who provides care, practical help, or emotional support to a family member who has a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, difficulties with drug or alcohol misuse, or additional support needs.
Young carers may help with:
- household tasks such as cleaning, cooking and shopping
- looking after brothers and sisters
- emotional support such as talking and listening
- managing medication
- supporting with appointments
- personal care and mobility needs
- managing money and bills in some circumstances
While some young carers may view their role positively, excessive or inappropriate caring responsibilities can impact on a child or young person’s education, wellbeing, physical health, friendships and future opportunities.
Why spotting the signs early matters
Many young carers remain hidden from practitioners. They may not recognise themselves as carers or worry about what could happen to their family if they share this information. Practitioners working in education, health, social care, youth services and the voluntary and community sector play an important role in identifying young carers and ensuring they receive the right support.
Possible signs that a child/young person may be a young carer
A child or young person may be a young carer if they:
- speak about lots of responsibilities at home
- take on responsibilities beyond what would normally be expected for their age
- have a family member who has health condition, disability or additional needs
- are often late or absent from school
- struggle to complete homework
- appear tired, worried or distracted
- withdraw from friendships or activities
- show signs of emotional distress
What practitioners should do
- Listen and create a safe space for the child or young person to talk.
- Be sensitive. Consider any fears or worries the child/young person may have and offer reassurance.
- Explore the family’s situation using a whole family approach.
- Consider how caring responsibilities are affecting the child’s life, for example their wellbeing, education and development.
- Work with the family to identify their strengths and what support they need.
- Explore other important adults who know the child and parents/carers well (e.g. extended family, friends, community members) and what support they already offer or could offer.
- Ensure the child or young person’s voice is heard in assessments and planning.
- Consider referring to specialist young carer support services where appropriate.
- Consider referring to adult social care or specialist adult services for parents/carers where appropriate.
Further information
The Bridge Young Carers Service
The Bridge, delivered by Family Action provides specialist support to young carers and young adult carers aged 5 to 24 across County Durham. The service offers:
- young carer needs assessments
- one-to-one support
- whole-family support
- peer support opportunities
- transition support
- forums and participation activities
- access to carer breaks
- support for schools and practitioners
Email: durhamyoungcarers@family-action.org.uk
Telephone: 0191 383 2520
Durham County Council
More information about young carers, available support and referral pathways can be found on Durham County Council’s Young Carers page.
Durham Carers InfoPoint
Durham Carers InfoPoint provides information, resources, plans and guidance for carers, including young carers and young adult carers.
The Carers Trust
Carers Trust | Transforming the lives of carers is a national charity working to transform the lives of unpaid carers, which includes providing specialist resources for practitioners.
Practitioner resources and toolkits
Young Carers Durham Resources (The Bridge)
A range of practical resources for volunteers, practitioners, children and families, including:
• Referral forms
• Young Carer Support Action Plan
• Emergency planning tools
• School support resources
• Safety and wellbeing resources
The MACA is a questionnaire to be completed by young carers to help identify the amount of caring activity undertaken by them.
The Positive and Negative Outcomes of Caring (PANOC)
The PANOC is a questionnaire to be completed by young carers to gain an understanding about how their caring role affects them.
It may be helpful to for practitioners to access training from the Bridge Young Carers to support young people to complete the MACA or the PANOC. Email durhamyoungcarers@family-action.org.uk to request training.