Young carers
Who is a young carer?
A young carer is a child or young person aged 18 or under who looks after someone in their family who has a disability, an illness, mental health difficulties, or drug or alcohol issues. Young carers may have more responsibility with the daily household chores compared to their friends. This might include cooking, cleaning, doing the shopping, helping someone to get dressed and move around, collecting prescriptions or helping with medication.
Most young carers provide support to parents, brothers, sisters or grandparents and live in the same household as the person they care for.
There are many disabilities which are not obvious and not present all of the time, and we understand that this may have an impact on those in the household who are in a caring role. We know that caring for someone can sometimes be difficult, but it can also be a rewarding experience.
Herefordshire Council have lots of information, advice and guidance to support you and your family.
For more information, you can contact Herefordshire Council by email on: earlyhelpadvancedpractitioners@herefordshire.gov.uk
or by contacting the Children's Help and Advice (CHAT) Team on 01432 260261
Herefordshire Young and Young Adult Carers CIC provide support and respite for children and young adults in the county, who care for a family member with an illness, disability, mental health issue or a drug or alcohol problem. They run clubs across Herefordshire, alongside day trips and outings.
Hope Support Services provide support to 11 to 25 year olds when a close family member is diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
St Michael's Hospice offer a Children and Young People’s Service for anyone aged 25 and under who has a close family member diagnosed with a life threatening illness. It provides a space for young people to spend time with others going through a similar situation, share experiences and provide peer support.