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Young carers

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About young carers

This area of the site is for young people who are caring for someone who is ill or disabled. You might have started caring without realising it. These pages will help you work out if you are a carer and how to get help for your family.

Are you a young carer?

If you're looking after a relative who is ill or disabled, you could be a young carer. These pages will help you find out what being a young carer involves and how you can get help that your family needs.

Who can help?

If you're having difficulty looking after someone else there are many people who can help you and your family, including school, social services, doctors and nurses.

Your rights

Looking after someone can be scary, but don't be afraid to stand up for your rights. These rights are explained in the Young Carers' Charter, and knowing what they are can help you carry on caring and get extra money.

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School

Many young carers have said that help with school is really important. If they know you're a carer, your school can give you extra help so that you can learn more and avoid problems with attendance.

Looking after a parent

There are many things to think about if you're looking after a parent. Don't be afraid to ask for help from the friends, relatives, teachers, social workers, doctors and nurses around you.

Understanding illness and disability

Caring can be tough at the best of times, but it's easier if you know a little bit about the condition, disability or problems that of the person you look after. Read our section on conditions to get a simple guide to tackling common problems you might face.

Dealing with feelings

It's normal to have many different and conflicting feelings about caring for someone. You may love it or hate it. Find out more about what to do if you're feeling down.

Last reviewed: 14/01/2010

Next review due: 14/01/2012

Call Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202

Or email CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk.

Free, confidential information and advice for carers.

Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

More about the Carers Direct helpline.

Services near you

Find addresses, phone numbers and websites for services for carers near you.

Also in Carers Direct

Carers blog

The carers blog is written by carers or those working to support carers of adults and children with long-term conditions such as dementia, stroke, mental illness and physical disabilities. To join the bloggers, email talk@nhschoices.nhs.uk.

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