Young Carers

Are you under 18 and 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 lots of cleaning, shopping and cooking.

Are You a Young Carer?

If this sounds like you, then you are a young carer. It may seem a strange way to describe yourself, because looking after someone in your family may feel like a natural role. But being a carer means you have a right to help and support to make life easier.

In Islington, we define young carers are children and young people up to the age of 25 who look after or help another family member who is disabled. physically or mentally ill, or has a substance misuse problem. They carry out, often on a regular basis, significant or substantial caring tasks, taking on a level of responsibility that is inappropriate to their age or development.

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 at school or to find time for yourself to relax, have fun or see your friends.

Support for Young Carers in Islington

Islington Carers Hub works with young adult carers age 18 – 25. We also work in partnership with Family Action Islington to support 17-year-olds who are in transition between services. Browse our Services to see how we can support you.

Family Action Islington’s Young Carers Service support young carers up to their 18th birthday providing one-to-one support, group support and activities.

Help from the Council 18-25

You are also entitled to get help and support from Social Services. They will ask you what sort of support you would like to make your life and your caring role easier.

Help from the NHS

You can also visit 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.

Carers Trust

You can also get lots of information and advice on the Carers Trust website, where they’ve listed a number of organisations that can support you in your caring role.