Young carers
We know that people often don’t see themselves as a carer, as they’re simply looking after someone they love who is ill, has a disability, a mental health problem or substance addiction. However, if you’re aged 18 or under and helping to look after a family member or friend, who couldn’t manage without you, then you’re a young carer!
It’s likely that you’ll have taken on a number of extra jobs in and around the home, that an adult would normally do, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, looking after younger brothers or sisters or helping someone get washed, dressed, move around and take their medication.
If this sounds like you and you think you may be a young carer, it’s so important to talk to someone at your school or college, as they’ll be able to help you manage your school / college work alongside your caring role. They can also put you in touch with organisations that can further help you and your family.
It’s likely that you’ll have taken on a number of extra jobs in and around the home, that an adult would normally do, such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, looking after younger brothers or sisters or helping someone get washed, dressed, move around and take their medication.
If this sounds like you and you think you may be a young carer, it’s so important to talk to someone at your school or college, as they’ll be able to help you manage your school / college work alongside your caring role. They can also put you in touch with organisations that can further help you and your family.
Council support
Herefordshire Council has a Young Carer Service which can offer lots of different information, guidance and advice to support you and your whole family. They can also support with your school or college, offer emotional support and befriending and they’ll let you know about other organisations which can help.
They’ll help and encourage you to look after your own wellbeing, which young carers often forget about when they’re caring for someone, and support you to think about what you may need to achieve your own personal aspirations.
If you’d like to talk to somebody, to better understand how this service can help you, get in touch with the friendly Early Help Team:
Alexandra James
07792 881850 or 01432 383186 • Alexandra.James@herefordshire.gov.uk
They’ll help and encourage you to look after your own wellbeing, which young carers often forget about when they’re caring for someone, and support you to think about what you may need to achieve your own personal aspirations.
If you’d like to talk to somebody, to better understand how this service can help you, get in touch with the friendly Early Help Team:
Alexandra James
07792 881850 or 01432 383186 • Alexandra.James@herefordshire.gov.uk
Local support
Crossroads Together offer information, advice and support to young carers, along with the chance to spend time with other young carers in group sessions, activities and day trips, support in school and with homework and help to learn new skills.
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.
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.
Talk Community Directory has a vast range of information which can help you in your caring role, including groups, activities and events near where you live.