Most young people spend some of their time helping to look after their family. They might:

• Help tidy, clean, or do the garden
• Look after younger brothers and sisters
• Run errands

But some young people have to much more than that. They need to help care for family members who are ill or disabled.

The person a young person cares for may have a physical disability, a learning disability like autism, mental health problems like depression, or a drug or alcohol problem.

Whatever the reason, support is available.

Caring for a relative

Young Carers are young people who spend a lot of their time looking after someone else in their family who has a long term illness or disability. They might:

• Cook, clean, wash or shop
• Help wash or dress the person who needs care
• Help the person get around, or take medicine
• Help keep the person company, or keep them safe
• Provide emotional support, cheer them up

Spending so much time caring for someone else when you are young is very stressful. You might feel lonely, or like nobody understands or cares. You may have to face issues like:

• Being tired or finding it hard to find time for homework
• Not having time to see friends or socialise
• Feeling different, being bullied, not being able to talk to people
• Worries and concerns about yourself and your home life 

There is no need to feel alone, or unsupported. There are lots of Young Carers in Oxfordshire, and there are groups that support them.

• Key link: Cool Young Carers

Young Carers Groups

Young Carers groups can provide support and advice and may be able to help with things like respite care (getting someone else to look after the person who needs care for a while).

They also organise trips and events where young carers can get together and socialise with other young people who understand what they're going through.

There are three young carers groups in Oxfordshire, you can contact them through the Carers in Oxfordshire website.

• Key link: Carers in Oxfordshire

Care assessment

If you would like some help, ask social and health care for a carers’ assessment in your home. It is their duty to do this. Young Carers organisations also provide help and support.

• Key link: Carers on Oxfordshire