Young Carers

Who is a Young Carer?

Anyone up to the age of 18, who cares for, or gives support to, someone in their family is a young carer. These family members may be elderly, unwell, disabled, have sensory impairment, mental health, drug or alcohol problems or other issues affecting the life of the family. Sometimes young carers provide support when the family is going through a traumatic time, such as a death in the family, divorce or separation.

A young carer may give practical or emotional care.  They may help with shopping, cooking and cleaning, help to look after brothers and sisters, give medicine or help with mobility if someone is in a wheelchair or unable to get about.  A young carer can also offer a shoulder to cry on or be there to listen to problems and worries. Young carers are all unique individuals and have different roles.  What links them is the care and support they provide for someone else in their family.

What can ‘Kids Who Care’ Do to help?

‘Kids Who Care’ is a project managed by the charity ‘Unite – Carers in Mid Devon’, and it helps young carers by providing respite trips to fun places during weekends and school holidays, club nights and mentoring/befriending – someone to talk to and have fun with on an individual basis. Young carers at ‘Kids Who Care’ receive a monthly newsletter with information about trips and clubs, plus articles written by young carers themselves. They also receive a Young Carers’ Information Pack on joining, and access to advice and information generally. Staff and volunteers at ‘Kids Who Care’ are fully trained and vetted; they support young carers and their families, and understand the issues involved with caring for a family member. They are committed to helping young carers progress in their own lives, gaining independence and having fun – being able to be young and enjoy life – whilst maintaining their caring role at home.

What happens when I reach 18 years old?

A group of young carers has got together with the support of the charity ‘Unite – Carers in Mid Devon’ and formed “Transitions” which is for young carers over the age of 18. There is a small amount of money available to support this group in meeting up together for coffee, going to the cinema or bowling, or anything else within budget that they, as a group, choose to do.

Quotes from Young Carers:

“When mum got MS, I felt that I had had to grow up quickly and could not have fun anymore. Joining Kids Who Care let me have time for me.”

“I feel that there is nothing left for me in life – I am useless at school, and cannot be myself at home. I don’t want to go on living.” (10 year old)

“I feel depressed and lonely sometimes because no-one understands what it’s like at home with Dad being so sick.”

“I can’t go out with my friends because I have to cook the tea and look after my brothers.”

“Kids Who Care has given me a better understanding of how I can look after my Mum.”

“Me and my brother know that we’re not the only ones in this situation.”

“Kids Who Care gives me a chance to have a bit of my own life.”

“My mentor at Kids Who Care is cool. She’s like a grandma and takes me out to do stuff, and I don’t have to look after my brothers and sisters when I am with her.”