Gloucestershire Young Carers Q & A

Who is a Young Carer?

• A child or young person who takes responsibilities for the care of a family member, usually someone living in the same household.

Who do Young Carers care for?

• Usually a relative – parent, brother or sister, grandparent etc. – who cannot manage independently due to a disability, long- term illness, mental ill-health, drug or alcohol dependency.

• Any age up to 25 years old, but the average age is 12. *

What does a Young Carer do?

• Most perform domestic chores
• Many are involved in personal care such as bathing, toileting or lifting.
• Many are involved in heavy lifting which can lead to physical injury
• Many give emotional support, which can take its toll

What does Gloucestershire Young Carers offer?

• Information about support services available to young carers and their families and advice and support on how to access these services.
• Social Activities – weekly groups, day trips, events, residentials – offering young carers time away from their caring situation as well as the chance to meet and talk with other young people in similar situations.
• A listening ear – the opportunity to talk in confidence with young carers workers and raise any concerns or worries that they may have.
• Training – to provide skills to help young carers such as first aid, looking after your back and confidence building.
• The opportunity for young carers to get their opinions heard - especially by councillors and MPs in order to improve services for carers and their families

Thank you to Louise Walker, a young carer, who helped provide the content for this page

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