At some point of our lives we will probably become a carer or take on caregiving responsibilities for someone we love or who we are close to, such as a family member or loved one. However; there are children who end up as carers for their parents, for adults in their lives or for their family members. Young carers face unique pressures due to their age and development. Learn more about young carers and their experiences.
FAQs
A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who takes on significant caregiving responsibilities for a family member due to illness, disability, mental health issues, or addiction.
A young person might care for a family member because the family member has a chronic illness, physical or mental disability, mental health condition, or substance abuse problem that requires daily assistance and support.
Young carers often face significant pressures, including emotional stress, physical fatigue, academic challenges, social isolation, and limited time for personal activities and development. Balancing caregiving duties with school and personal life can be overwhelming and impact their overall well-being.