Young carers

Are you under 18 and looking after someone in your family who is ill or disabled? This may be a parent, a brother or sister or a grandparent. Maybe you help by staying at home a lot to be there for them, helping them get washed or dressed, perhaps translating and interpreting for them, or doing lots of cleaning, shopping and cooking.

If this sounds like you, then you are a young carer. It may seem a strange way to describe yourself, because looking after someone in your family may feel like a natural role. But being a carer means you have a right to help and support to make life easier.

Looking after someone can be stressful

It can be stressful as well as hard work looking after someone, even when you love them. And it can make it harder to keep up with things at school or to find time for yourself to relax, have fun or see your friends.

Young Carers Project

You can get help and support from the Young Carers Project in Kensington and Chelsea. It organises activities so you can get a break and have some fun.

to find out more about the Young Carers Project, phone 020 8968 0535 or 07783 395890. You can also email kandc.youngcarers@family-action.org.uk

Help from the Council

You are also entitled to get help and support from the Council. We will ask you what sort of support you would like to make your life and your caring role easier. You can contact social services directly - or ask someone from the Young Carers Project to sort this out for you. Don't be afraid to ask - it is important to get the help you are entitled to!