What is a Young Carer?
Unsure if you are a young carer? Find out here!
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If you are under 18 and look after someone who is ill, disabled or uses drugs or alcohol, then you are a young carer.
Remember you are not alone – Carers in Hertfordshire is here to support you.
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who does things that would normally be done by an adult. Often, this means you do jobs to help a family member meet their daily needs.
The person you support might have a physical disability, long term illness or mental illness or ill-health. They could misuse drugs or alcohol.
You might do tasks such as cooking meals, going shopping or making sure someone takes their medicine. You may also give someone emotional support on a regular basis.
Get Help Today
Think you might be a young carer?
You can now register yourself online on our Register or Refer page. We will then be in touch to see how we can help.
You can also download and email a completed Young Carer Self Referral Form, and we’ll talk to you about all the ways we can help.
If you are under 16, we will need your parent or guardian’s details and consent if you would like to register with us as a young carer.
Email: young.carers@carersinherts.org.uk
Telephone: 01992 58 69 69
Over 16 and Caring?
If you are 16 – 25 years old and caring for someone, you are a Young Adult Carer.
We know it can be challenging to care for someone while working, studying and making big life decisions. Remember that you’re not alone – we’re here to support you with your responsibilities.
The Young Carers team work with young adult carers until their 18th birthday. From that point, you will receive the same support as adult carers. You can find out more about this support on our How We Help section.
We want you to feel comfortable getting support from us. If you’re 16 or over, we’ll need your consent as well as your parent or guardian’s. If you’re worried about how they might feel, please still get in touch—we’re here to talk it through.
If you’re under 16, we’ll just need a parent or guardian’s permission to support you.
