If your child or children are 18 or younger, and they look after someone at home, we can help.
They are a young carer if they:
- Are 18 or younger
- And they help to care for someone at home
They may be regularly helping a family member, adult or child who has any of the following:
- A longterm illness or health condition, such as epilepsy or diabetes
- A physical disability, such as mobility issues or blindness
- someone who ‘has a diagnosis of’ is ‘currently experiencing' or ‘is being treated for a mental health problem.
- A problem with drugs or alcohol
They may have to do some of the following jobs:
- Help someone to move from place to place
- Help someone wash or go to the toilet
- Help someone get dressed
- Cook meals
- Do the housework
- Get the food shopping
- Collect benefits and prescriptions
- Give someone their medicine or pills
- Go with someone to the doctor or hospital
- Take responsibility for a brother or sister
- Translate or interpret for someone
- Manage the family’s budget
- Cheer someone up or help them when they are feeling down
If you think you have identified a young carer, then contact us today
If you live in Dorset:
Visit Carer Support Dorset to refer a young carer for a young carer assessment, get a carers card and advice on services https://www.carersupportdorset.co.uk/ or call 0800 368 8349
Visit Leonardo Trust for free counselling for your child or if you would like to apply for a grant https://www.leonardotrust.org/
If you are part of BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole)
Visit Children’s First Response to refer a young carer for assessment or 01202 735046
Young carers can access further advice via The Mix The Mix - Essential support for under 25s