Support and information for young carers
As a young carer, its very important that you look after yourself, that way you can enjoy your childhood and provide the best care for the person/people you take care of. A lot of young carers remain private about their caring responsibilities because they feel embarrassed about it. You can feel proud to be a carer, acknowledge you are a carer and access the free services below to access support, knowledge and guidance to help you.
Firstly, tell your GP that you are a carer
Your role will be recorded on your notes, you’ll get flexible appointments/text reminders and other help, like free vaccines.
They can also give you really useful information for yourself and the person you care for.
Read more on the Carers UK website.
Finding the time can be challenging but doesn't have to be impossible. The better you feel the better you can care for others.
Speak to your school
Tell your school that you are a carer. They may be able to help you with homework through homework clubs, they may allow you to use your phone during breaks to carry out your caring duties and more.
As a carer, you offer a huge contribution to society, but you may feel undervalued. Its important that you know your rights. Carers UK's fact sheets explain your rights on their website.
If you are a young carer of an adult who has completed a Needs Assessment with our Adult Social Care team, we will have completed an Early Help Assessment with you. We call this the 'whole family approach'.
If you feel that you didn't receive this, or things have changed and you need an assessment, you can ask for an Early Help Assessment from the Children and Families Team.
Call 020 7332 3621 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm) or email the Children's Duty Team to see if you can get help.
Children and Families Emergency Out of Hours can be contacted on 020 8356 2710 (outside of normal working hours).
Many young carers benefit from short breaks from their caring responsibilities, but many feel guilty or too worried to leave their cared-for person in order to do so.
You should know that it is entirely normal and a good idea to take a short break from your duties. It will help you to feel happier, connect with friends and it will ensure you are refreshed to take on your caring responsibility again when you return.
Short breaks might be something informal, such as taking some time to relax at home, with friends or doing a hobby you enjoy (or would like to start). Or it might be something that is organised by young carer projects, such as days out or short visits/activities.
To arrange a short break for yourself:
- Speak with the person you take care of. They will need to know that you will be taking a break so they can be prepared for someone else supporting them. They will most likely be happy to hear that you are taking some time for yourself.
- Speak to family members to see if anyone can help out.
- If you can't get family to support then you can reach out to support workers, teachers, or another trusted adult for help.
- Write some notes for the person who will be stepping in (providing Respite Care). This will help them with medication timings and how to use special equipment and aids.
If you need help from a support worker or professional carer, reach out to the Children and Families Team.
Call 020 7332 3621 or email the Children and Families Team.
City Advice
If you live or study in the City of London, or live on a City Corporation estate, you can access free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt and employment, through the City Advice service.
City Advice are qualified to advise on:
- Consumer and employment rights
- Welfare benefits
- Debt
- Housing and legal issues
- Relationships
- Health and wellbeing
Services for carers
City Connections provide activities, Community Support Assessments and support for your cared for when they are in and leaving hospital.
Carers Connections offer a wide range of assistance for carers.
The Forget Me Not Project 17 run weekly sessions for carers and their cared-for.
More information about the three services.
City and Hackney Carers' Centre
Visit the City and Hackney Carers' Centre to find out what events and meetings are taking place in the neighbouring borough of Hackney.
The Family Information Service
Take a look at the Family Information Service Early Help web page for more information about how our Early Help service can support you. And other organisations that can help too.
Dragon Cafe in the City
The award-winning Dragon Café in the City is free and open to anyone working or living in the City and provides a space for you to release the pressure, take a break from your busy routines and engage in creative activities designed to foster positive mental and physical wellbeing.
Your mental health
Whilst it can be very positive and rewarding, when caring for someone else, you might experience challenges and difficult feelings such as stress and worry or anxiety. Mind offer some tips to help you look after your mental health.
The City and Hackney Mental Health Service provides support and services to children and young people experiencing mental health problems. City and Hackney CAMHS website.
Mind also have some really useful resources that may help you take better care of yourself. The better you feel, the more able you are to look after someone else.
Children's Society
The Children's Society service helps young carers, families and those who work with young carers to be healthy, happy and focused on the future. They know that caring for someone can be difficult but also know that you need to make time for yourself as well.
Carers UK
Carers UK provide information and guidance to unpaid carers covering a range of subjects including:
- Benefits and financial support
- Your rights as a carer in the workplace
- Carers' assessments and how to get support in your caring role
- Services available to carers and the people you care for
- How to complain effectively and challenge decisions
Visit Carers UK, call 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm or email Carers UK.
Other support and guidance
You may be able to get Carer's Allowance, which is the main benefit available to carers.
If you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for somebody else and you are over the age of 16, you may be entitled for support with money. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.
See here to find out more about the Carer's Allowance.
Remember, any allowance could be taxable and may affect other benefits you might get.