Are you a carer who is under 25 years old looking after someone in your family who is ill or disabled? This may be a parent, a brother or sister or a grandparent. Maybe you help by staying at home a lot to be there for them, helping them get washed or dressed, translating and interpreting for them, or doing cleaning, shopping or cooking.
It may seem a strange way to describe yourself as a ‘carer’, because looking after someone in your family may feel like a natural role. But being recognised as a carer means you have a right to help and support to make life easier.
Looking after someone can be stressful
It can be stressful as well as hard work looking after someone, even when you love them. And it can make it harder to keep up with things when working or studying and to find time for yourself to relax, have fun or see your friends.
Support for young carers in Islington
Islington Carers Hub can only support adult carers who are 18 years or over. However, we work in partnership with Family Action Islington to support 17-year-olds who are in transition between services. This might be useful if you have younger siblings or relatives who share caring responsibilities.
The Children’s Society supports young carers up to their 18th birthday providing one-to-one support, group support and activities.
NHS Carers Direct can also provide help for young carers. They can advise them on their rights as a young carer and they have an advice helpline.
Contact Islington Carers Hub
For more information or if you have any questions, get in touch with us on 020 7281 3319 or email info@islingtoncarershub.org.
Support Services
Islington Carers Hub can advise you on a wide range of things, and as part of our support, we can help you to find specialist help that is right for you and your circumstances.
Information and Advice
- Kooth
: provide free, safe and anonymous online support and counselling. Offer resources to manage emotions, build healthy habits, and discuss mental wellbeing. - Mind
: offer information and resources to guide you through getting support for your mental health. Including help on preparing for GP appointments, guides on how to open up about mental health, and information on how to move on to adult mental health services. - NHS Carers Direct
: who provide help for young carers, can advise you on your rights as a young carer and they have an advice helpline to support you with any caring issues you may have. - The Mix
: provides free, confidential support for young people under 25. This includes advice for young carers starting work, the financial support available, and guides to help with caring for someone with a mental health condition. - YoungMinds
: provide information and advice on how to look after your mental health and find support as a young carer.
Youth Centres
- Lift
: offer support and guidance on personal issues and lifestyle decisions. Also provide personal help with apprenticeships, college applications and seeking employment. - Rose Bowl
: offer a range of free activities and help support young people with career advice, mentoring, and physical and mental health. - SoapBox
: have a range of activities such as music production, VR and online mentoring for young people seeking careers within STEAM. Aimed at helping ease financial pressure and helping prepare young people for employment.
