Some people start giving care at a very young age and don't really realise they're carers. Other young people become carers overnight.
If someone in your family needs to be looked after, you may really want to help them.
But as a young carer, you shouldn't be doing the same things as adult carers.
Nor should you be spending a lot of your time caring for someone, as this can get in the way of you doing well at school and doing the same kinds of things as other children or young people.
It's important you decide how much and what type of care you're willing or able to give, or whether you should be a carer at all.
Decide whether you're the right person to offer the care needed by the person you look after.
All disabled adults are entitled to support from their local council, depending on their needs, so they shouldn't have to rely on their children to care for them.
If you or your parents request it, one of our workers will help you complete the 'About Me' form. This is an assessment of your caring role.
This assessment is different from the one adult carers have. It'll decide what kind of help you and your family might need.
The 'About Me' assessment can determine whether it's appropriate for you to care for someone else, and takes into account whether you want to be a carer. We also look at your education, training, leisure opportunities and views about your future.
As part of the assessment, we will ask you about your wishes and involve you, your parents and anyone else you or your parents want to be involved.
It will also explain what you can do if you or your parents disagree with the assessment.
If you and the person you care for both agree, we can assess your needs as a young carer and the needs of the person you care for at the same time.
If you're 16 or over and not in full-time education, you may be eligible for help finding work, as well as with your family's finances (for instance, through benefits such as Carer's Allowance.
Getting an assessment is the best way to find out what's available in your situation.
If you are a young carer and you feel that you would like to register as a young carer, please complete the referral form on our referral page and one of the team will be in touch within 48 working hours of you sending the message.
