Young carers are people under 18 years of age who offer substantial help on a regular basis for a parent, grandparent or sibling who has a disability or experiences mental health, drug or alcohol issues. We can provide advice and support for young carers, both for the person cared for and direct to you as a young carer.
Young carers face serious caring responsibilities. As well as the daily tasks completed for their parents such as housework, cooking and bathing; young carers live with the added pressure of school and often a lack of understanding from school friends. The physical and emotional strain is sometimes too much - many skip school and suffer depression. It is currently estimated that one in 12 secondary school children are young carers.
There are many satisfactions in caring, but it can make great demands on your time, your health and your emotions and can be very exhausting.
If you ever feel under undue pressure and the situation is becoming stressful, please contact your GP, our customer services centre or your local carers' centre for help. Let them know how you feel and that you need help straight away.
Additional support from organisations in North Yorkshire
In addition to the help and support we can provide, there are many organisations in North Yorkshire which support young carers, including carers' centre and carers' resources. These are organisations whose purpose is to give practical and emotional support to carers. For more details, see the carers' centres in North Yorkshire page.
Related information from NHS Choices
Links to information for young carers on the NHS Choices website.
Carers direct - young carers
This section of carers direct is for young people who are caring for someone who is ill or disabled. You might have started caring without realising it. The young carerspage will help you work out if you are a carer and how to get help for your family.
Carers' lives
Information on life as a carer, including all about caring; getting help; and real stories from carers. For more information see the carers' livespage.
Stigma and discrimination
As a carer, you may feel that people disregard or look down on you because your experience is different from their own. This is known as stigma. If as result of stigma your rights are infringed, this is known as discrimination. For more information see the stigma and discriminationpage.
Young carers
Two young carers talk about splitting their time between going to school and caring for their parents, and the support they've had from young carers projects.
This statement aims to combine the main principles of the 'Recognised, valued and supported' and 'Carers at the heart of the 21st century families and communities' national reports and to outline our commitment to supporting carers for the next 12 months.
Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
Compliments, complaints, comments and concerns (adult social care)
Help us get it right. Please tell us your views about adult social care services provided by North Yorkshire County Council. Your comments can help us to improve our services and plan for the future.
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