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Young Carers

Young Carers Courtesey of the BBC

Young Carers

Young carers often take on a level of responsibility that's isn't appropriate for their age or development.

You may have to help look after a family member who's sick, disabled, have mental health problems, or misuses drugs or alcohol. 

With so many adult responsibilities, you might miss the everyday opportunities other children have to play and learn. You might become isolated, and afraid to ask for help through fear of letting your family down or themselves.

Have a look at these informative videos on what it's like to be a young carer:

My Names Lottie

                                               

Worries of a Young Carer:

                                                                            

What you might do as a young carer?

What you might do as a young carer?

Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework, shopping and family budgeting                                                

Emotional support, such as talking to someone who is distressed

Personal care, such as helping someone out of bed with a hoist and to help them to dress  

Helping with siblings

Helping to give medicine, collecting prescriptions

 

How a caring role can affect you

How a caring role can affect you

Emotionally – putting others first, being worried anxious or stressed

Physically – Suffering strains from heavy lifting, not looking after their own health

Socially – Not able to meet up with friends

Educationally – Difficulties concentrating in class, feeling tired, worried, no time for homework

(Taken from crossroads together)

You can find out more information about Cheshire West and Chester Young carers service here Young Carers service | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Help and support

Help and support

The Cheshire West and Chester Young Carers service, provided by Cheshire Young Carers, supports children and young people aged eight to 18 living with a family member who may have any of the following.

              • Mental ill healthSupporting holding hands
              • Substance misuse
              • Learning disabilities
              • Physical ill health
              • Physical disability

The service aims to:

              • support young carers with their emotional health and wellbeing
              • develop young carers to be better equipped with the life skills and resilience they need
              • give young carers a strong voice to be heard
              • support young carers with their education, career choices or aspirations
              • help young carers care for themselves and show them ways or places they can go to do this.

Alongside one-to-one support, the service provides group sessions so young carers can engage with people in a similar position to them.

Further support and advice can be found at:Young Carer

Cheshire young carers Cheshire Young Carers | Chester | Supporting children who care for others

Crossroads Together Young Carers Service Cheshire West & Chester | Crossroads Together

Carers Trust - Carers Trust | Transforming the lives of carers