A young carer is someone under 18 who helps provide care for a family member with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or alcohol/substance abuse. These young people will take on additional responsibilities (above those expected of their peers).
These tasks, often unseen, can range from practical help like managing medications to emotional support, but can impact their childhood, education, and social life.
Who they care for:
- Parents (often the most common)
- Brothers or sisters
- Other relatives
Common caring responsibilities:
- Practical Tasks: Cooking, cleaning, shopping, collecting prescriptions.
- Personal Care: Helping with dressing or washing.
- Emotional Support: Listening to someone distressed or managing difficult behaviors.
- Managing Health: Helping with medication or managing a sibling’s outbursts.
- Impact on Young Carers:
- Education: Difficulty concentrating, doing homework, or feeling tired.
- Social Life: Feeling isolated or unable to meet friends.
- Emotional Well-being: Experiencing anxiety, guilt, or feeling misunderstood.
How can I access support for my child?
If you believe your child is a young carer, or you would like to speak to someone about this, please contact one of our Young Carers Champions for more information;
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Mrs Hurt - Safeguarding Officer
Mr Watkins
To contact either of our Your Carers Champions please email youngcarers@longfield.latrust.org.uk
Our academy policy on Young Carers can be found on our policies page.
You can also receive further information and guidance from other agencies – such as IMAGO. IMAGO is a young carers support service that runs in Kent and South East London.