Support for carers

Support for young carers

You're considered a young carer if you’re under 18 and care for a parent or a relative with a:

  • disability
  • illness
  • mental or physical health condition
  • substance misuse issue.

What young carers do

Young carers may be doing tasks that they should not be facing alone and that could interrupt their school life and childhood experience. These tasks could include:

  • helping with washing, bathing, going to the toilet, dressing or feeding
  • help getting about or lifting
  • giving support in a crisis or whenever it is needed
  • shopping, running errands or helping with money
  • keeping an eye on someone to keep them safe.

Your rights

If you're a young carer, you have certain rights including your right to a young carer's assessment.

Find out what your rights are on the NHS website.

Get support as a young carer

If you're a young carer, you could get support such as:

  • a young carer's assessment
  • practical help at home
  • equipment
  • day care
  • a break from your caring role.

Carers First provide the young carers service in Medway. They offer:

  • 1-2-1 support 
  • lunch clubs and peer meet-ups 
  • trips and social activities 
  • help with school and emotional wellbeing 
  • advice for families and professionals.

Get support as a young carer through Carers First.

Request a young carer's assessment

If you're a young carer, you can request a carer's assessment through Carers First to help you get support.

Young carers under 13 will need a parent or guardian to complete the referral on their behalf.

The assessment will look at:

  • the impact of caring on your life 
  • your wishes, education and wellbeing 
  • if you want to continue caring.

Request a young carer's assessment online through Carers First.

You can also request an assessment by:

Get in touch

If you would like some extra support or advice, contact us by: