young carers

Young carers are children and young people aged under 19 years who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability, a mental health problem or a substance misuse problem.

They take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

If you are a young carer your own health and development may be affected because of your caring responsibilities. In addition to the daily tasks you may have to complete you may live with the added pressure of school and, often, a lack of understanding from schoolmates. You may not get the chance to go out with your friends or do your homework.

In North Somerset there is a Young Carers Service, based with North Somerset Crossroads, which aims to provide services, that best suit young carers’ needs and provide them with more choice around the kind of support that is on offer for them.

The Young Carers Service:

Runs fortnightly support groups where there is a chance to meet with others in a similar situation and share experiences or just have fun through the variety of activities
Run trips in the school holidays, which give young carers a chance to take a break, chill out and have fun.
Works with schools to raise awareness about the needs of young carers and arrange support
Offers one to one support and also counselling
Offers a point of contact and a regular newsletter.