Golden Rules

'Guidebook for Young Carers' and this website contain advice on lots of topics. In the opinion of the author, the most important advice is in the Golden Rules below:

• If you decide to be a young carer, remember it is not your responsibility to provide all the care.
• You should not feel that you have to provide care because no one else is willing to help.
• You should receive support from various people, including family, friends, health and social care professionals.
• If you are not getting support, then you should ask for it. It’s not weak to ask for help.
• You should be able to choose which caring activities you undertake and which you don’t.
• It’s not selfish to say no. It’s also not selfish to say what you need or want.
• Some people will never understand your situation, however hard you try to explain.
• Identify good friends, keep them close, and tell them about your caring role. It will help to chat about your problems with people you trust.
• Don’t accept everything that adults say. Some adults lie, cheat, avoid problems, ignore the truth and only think about themselves. These will often be the people telling you it is your responsibility to provide care.
• Don’t sacrifice your life to become a carer. Form relationships, pursue an education, gain qualifications and skills, and achieve your ambitions.