Who is a young carer?
A young carer is someone who is under the age of 18 and takes responsibility for looking after someone (usually their mother, father, brother or sister) who is:
- ill
- disabled
- elderly
- suffering mental distress
- misusing drugs and/or alcohol
A young carer would have to carry out a number of tasks, including:
- General care (such as giving medication, changing dressings, helping with mobility
- Domestic tasks (such as cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, shopping)
- Emotional support (such as listening to and supporting people)
- Intimate care (such as dressing, washing and helping with toilet requirements)
- Child care (such as helping with younger siblings)
- Other care (such as helping with household and other administration tasks, bill paying, accompanying to the doctor's or hospital)
What to do if you are a young carer
If you think that you, or someone you know, may be a young carer, it is important that you tell us about your situation so that you - and the person you care for - can get the help and support you need.
For further information and advice on Young Carers or to make a Young Carers referral you can contact the Cardiff Family Gateway on 03000 133 133 or email
contactFAS@cardiff.gov.uk
What kind of help will I get?
We work closely with YMCA Young Cares and other agencies to help you enjoy your childhood by giving you:
- Emotional support and advice
- Support to get help at home
- Advice on taking break from caring
- The opportunity to take part in fun activities
- The chance to meet other young people and share experiences
- Help with your concerns or difficulties
- Help to access education
What is caring like for a young person?
Young carers often take on grown-up responsibilities. This means that they often miss out on the things that other children may take for granted, such as opportunities to learn, play and have fun.
Further information
If you would like any further information or advice on Young Carers you can contact the Cardiff’s dedicated Young Carers co-ordinator:
Office number – 02920872046
Mobile – 07772 439767
Alternatively you can contract:
Contact us