Getting Support

Being a young carer is extremely tough and there is no reason for you to try to manage alone. 'Guidebook for Young Carers' contains a chapter about getting support which you can read by clicking here. If you don’t have time to read the chapter, you could try speaking with friends, family or teachers. If you need more support the organisations listed below can help:

Carers Trust

Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addition problems. With locally based Network Partners, they are able to support carers in their own homes through the provision of replacement care, and in the community with information, advice, emotional support, hands on practical help and access to much needed breaks.

Website: www.carers.org/what-young-carer
Phone: 0844 800 4361

Carers UK

Carers UK gives expert advice, information and support, connects carers so no one has to care alone, and campaigns for lasting change.

Website: www.carersuk.org
Phone: 0808 808 7777

The Children's Society

The Children's Society is a national charity that runs local projects, helping children and young people who are at their most vulnerable. They provide support for young carers across the UK and run a young carers programme called Include.

Website: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-children/young-carers

NHS Choices

NHS Choices is an NHS run service that provides advice across many areas. They have a specific webpage for young carers which explains the rights of young carers, allows users to search for carer activities in their area, and provides contact details for local projects. They also run a free telephone service called Carers Direct which provides advice to both adult and young carers.

Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/pages/young-carers-rights.aspx
Carers Direct Phone: 0300 1231053

NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

The NSPCC is a children's charity in the UK, specialising in child protection and dedicated to the fight for every childhood. They run a free telephone service called Childline which allows children to speak to a counsellor regarding any problems they have, including challenges they might face as a young carer.

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline Website: www.childline.org.uk
Childline Phone: 0800 1111

Samaritans

The Samaritans is a charity that offers support to people who are struggling to cope. People can phone their helpline and talk to a volunteer about any challenges that may be upsetting them. If specialist help is needed, Samaritans can direct the caller to other sources of help.

Website: www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116123
Text: 07725 909090
Email: jo@samaritans.org