Service Provider

Wiltshire County Council

Description of Services

Children and young people - young carers - support and advice

A Young Carer is a child or young person (aged from 5 to 25) whose life is affected by caring for at least one family member, over and above just 'helping out'. This could include caring for:

• Parent(s)
• Grandparent(s)
• Sibling(s)
• Close relative(s)

There are many children and young people who help to care for a parent, brother or sister or other relative, who is disabled, has an illness, mental health problem or experiences drug or alcohol related issues.

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 (such as housework, cooking and bathing) 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. The physical and emotional strain is sometimes too much - maybe you skip school and/or suffer depression.

Related Pages

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/young-carers.htm

Email Address

socialcarehelpdesk@wiltshire.gov.uk

Telephone number

01225 713001