So what exactly is a young carer?
If you’re under 18 and help take care of a family member or a friend because they can’t manage alone – this could be due to illness, disability, mental issues, or because they’re struggling with addiction – then you fit the bill as a young carer.
This could mean anything from:
- cooking meals
- tidying up
- handling medications
- keeping the budget in check
- pretty much anything that’s adult-level stuff
A typical day may look like...
- Shopping for the week’s groceries
- Cooking meals
- Keeping the house clean & tidy
- Sorting out medications, admin and finances
- Providing personal care
- Helping your loved one get around
And all of this is while you’re supposed to be managing school and your own social life.
This can be tough for a young person to deal with.
What's it like being a carer?
Being a young carer is more than just doing chores. It’s a role that can completely reshape your daily life.
This might mean your school work sufffers, you might drop grades or perhaps you might not fully follow the coursework. It’s understandable this happens, because doing homework could be taking a backseat or you’re perhaps missing out entirely on school days.
Physically, it can be exhausting, because you’re likely juggling lots of different tasks.
And it can also mean spending less time with friends or finding time for fun hobbies. Missing out in this way can really affect your mental health & personal growth.
Your emotions
Handling these responsibilities can be super stressful and might even lead to anxiety or depression. We have some really helpful & insightful videos about anxiety for you that can hopefully share some tips – watch them here.
Plus, if you have your own challenges like learning difficulties or autism, things get even tougher. Anxiety with SEND has different challenges, and you can find out more here.
Trying to balance your own personal hurdles with the demands of caregiving, can feel a bit like juggling too many balls at once. So make sure you try to make time for yourself, and reach out to friends, family & teachers for support.
For those in military families
If you’re from a military family, things get even more unpredictable.
Moving around a lot or having a parent deployed can throw more responsibilities your way, making it tough to keep up with school and friendships. Each new move might mean adjusting to a different school, finding new friends, and starting all over again. This is a lot at the best of times, let alone when you’re also managing home responsibilities.
The emotional rollercoaster of worrying about a deployed parent adds another layer of stress. So it’s crucial that the support systems around you—schools, local communities, and even online resources—are flexible and understanding to help you navigate these frequent changes.
Getting the support you deserve
What you’re doing is incredible, it really is. But you also deserve to live your teen years to the fullest and enjoy being young.
It’s so important that everyone from schools to local communities can step up to support you properly.
Plus, here at the Hub we have activities, stories and help pages that can support you, wherever and whenever you like.
You’re not alone, even though it might feel like it sometimes. It’s totally okay to ask for help- in fact, it’s the best thing you can do 🙂
Resources
Some extra info you might find useful…
Activities
From calming to creative exercises, we have a range of activities you can do anytime, anywhere
NHS Social Care & Support Guide
Offers insight into local help and useful tips on balancing your caring role.
Young Minds
Great for advice on coping with stress and finding local support groups.
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