Young carers

A young carer is a child or young person up to the age of 18 whose life is affected by being a carer for someone with a:

• disability
• long-term illness
• mental health problem
• problem with drugs or alcohol

Young carers provide care 'above that normally expected of someone their age'.

Support for young carers

There are a number of support services available for young carers:

Young carers service at York Carers Centre

York Carers Centre provides support for young carers aged 5 to 18, including:

• one-to-one sessions; a chance to get things off your chest with your key worker
• regular groups to meet other young carers who understand what it's like
• trips and activities to get away from caring responsibilities
• young carer assessments

York Carers Centre also offers support for young adult carers, aged between 18 and 25, including:

• advice
• one-to-one support
• information and services that could help you
• help with employment, education and training
• the opportunity to socialise with other young adult carers

Young Carers Revolution

Young Carers Revolution, provided by York Carers Centre, aims to develop a voice for young carers and address the range of issues they're facing.

Watch a video, The Unusual Suspects (made by the group) to find out more about what it means to be a young carer.

Young Carer's Card

This is for young carers in secondary schools who are finding school difficult because they're looking after someone at home. Young carers can carry the card with them and show it to teachers when they need support.

The card is for young carers who are unable to, or find it difficult to:

• arrive at school on time
• stay after school without earlier warning
• finish homework on time

Young carers may also need to:

• carry a mobile phone with them
• leave early on occasions
• talk to someone in confidence

Young carers can ask their Head of Year for a card, or contact the Young Carers Service at York Carers Centre for more information.

Adult Social Care Team

Our Adult Social Care Team is the first point of contact for all enquiries.

In an emergency, contact the Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Team.

Family Information Service

York Family Information Service is a free and impartial information service for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-19 (or up to 25 years old for young Disabled people or additional need).

Raise York

The Raise York website supports children, young people, parents and carers, and anyone who looks after or works with children and young people in York.

York's Local Offer

York's Local Offer provides support and information for children and young people with special educational needs and/or a disability.

Also see

• Advice for carers
• Short breaks and holidays for carers
• Health and social care
• Adult social care