REGISTERING AS A YOUNG CARER
You do so much for others. Don't forget to look after yourself too
In England, young carers have the legal right to be assessed by the local authority they live in. While the word 'assessment' may sound scary, it's actually a supportive process that can allow you and the person you care for to access some additional help.
By contacting the local authority you live in (see contact details below) you can get in touch with someone from their young carer team and arrange for an assessment to take place.
What to expect
Normally this process involves an initial phone call, so that your local authority can find out a bit about you and your situation.
The young carer team will then make a decision about what happens next. Next steps might involve a conversation with you on your own or with the person you care for.
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If you live in BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole)
Visit Children’s First Response for a young carer assessment
childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
01202 735046
If you live in Dorset
Visit Carer Support Dorset for a young carer assessment, to get a carers card or to get advice on services
0800 368 8349
Other support agencies available
Visit Leonardo Trust for free counselling or if you’d like to apply for a grant.
If you feel confused or overwhelmed
If the process above feels a little confusing, then you could try and talk to a parent, another family member you trust, your doctor, a teacher or another member of staff at school that you trust. They could then help you with the process of contacting the BCP or Dorset local authority.