What is a young carer?
If you're under 18 years old and look after someone who has a long-term illness, disability, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem, then you're a young carer.
You might be doing things like making meals or washing clothes. Or maybe you help your mum get washed and dressed in the morning. You may be looking after other children or perhaps your brother or sister is the person in your family needing extra care. Young carers very often provide emotional support as well.
Sometimes doing all this might make you feel lonely, but it's important to remember you're not alone - there are an estimated 14,000 young carers in Surrey.
There is also a lot of support out there for you to help you manage all the things you have going on.
Where can I find help if I need it?
- Surrey Young Carers supports young carers in lots of different ways. They can give you someone to talk to and run loads of events to help you have some fun away from caring. They also have lots of opportunities to speak to other young carers who might have similar experiences to you
- It's important to let your GP know that you are looking after someone. They can help with all sorts of things like offering you appointments to suit your timetable and free flu jabs.
- Speak to someone you trust at school - Once they understand your situation they will be better able to support you with things like homework or course work or time out of school. Lots of schools also have young carer's clubs that you might like to join.
- Get a carer's assessment. This is a way to tell the council about the care you give to make sure you're getting the right help for you and your family. For further information contact Children's Services.
Young Adult Carers
Carers aged 18 to 24 are known as "Young Adult Carers" if this is you, you can also get support from Action for Carers Surrey. Action for Carers Surrey will help you plan some of your next steps in life and support you as you think about college, or university and moving into adulthood.
You can be offered a carers assessment which is available to all carers over the age of 18.
For support for over 18s please contact the Action for Carers Surrey enquiry desk:
- Telephone: 01483 302748
- Email: info@actionforcarers.org.uk
Young carers strategy
Here you can find out more about the Surrey Joint Strategy for Young Carers. This is the plan for how Surrey will work to support you as a young carer. It has been put together by people from Surrey County Council and the NHS. There has also been a lot of input from young carers to make sure you're getting your voices heard.
Files available to download
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Young Carers Strategy 2022 to 2024 (extended to 2026) (PDF)
Our joint strategy setting out how we ensure that young carers in Surrey are recognised, valued, and given the support they need.
