This year’s Carers Week sees the first ever Young Carers Awareness Day – today! There are hundreds of thousands of young people in the UK right now who, at the same time as growing up, taking exams and thinking about their future, are also caring for an adult who’s ill or disabled.
If someone close to you is living with cancer, you may be one of the people who helps to look after them. For some, that means doing household tasks, taking your loved one to appointments, or simply being there for them when they’re feeling low. You may not think of yourself as a ‘young carer’, but if you’re under 18 and spend time looking after someone who’s ill, then you are.
Our booklet Let’s talk about you is written by young carers, for young carers. View it online now or order your free copy:
This booklet offers information and advice on things you might be finding difficult, whether you’re not sure how to deal with doctors and nurses, are worried about school, or need emotional support to help you cope. As well as practical tips and information, it talks about why it’s so important to look after yourself while you’re a carer, and where you can go for more support. And most importantly, it’s been written by other young people who have cared for their loved ones through cancer – they’ve been there, they understand, and in this booklet they share their experiences and what they found helped them.
Whoever you care for and however you support them, it probably means the world to them. But carers often say that they feel invisible. And if you’re a young carer that feeling can be even more intense. It can be hard to talk to friends, teachers, colleagues and even your own family about your situation. Maybe you think that they won’t understand. Or maybe it feels easier to shut out the extra stress and worry that cancer has brought your family.
As well as resources, There are also support groups and communities around the country and online where you can meet people in similar situations. If you’re aged 16 or over, Macmillan’s very own Online Community is a place you can share your experiences, chat with others, or just listen. There is also a group for Carers only.
Carers Trust also has an online community just for young people, where you can share experiences and get qualified advice.
Today, Friday 13th June 2014, we are having Facebook chat from 4pm–5pm. Visit our Facebook page at this time and post your questions or comments about being a young carer.
Remember, we’re here for everyone affected by cancer, whether it’s you who’s been diagnosed or a friend, family member or colleague. Please get in touch if you need support – call 0808 808 00 00 to talk to our cancer support specialists or visit macmillan.org.uk
Later this year, we’ll be holding a focus group to get ideas about how to improve our Let’s talk about you booklet. We’re looking for young carers to join us and give their opinions. If you’re interested, please email egrew@macmillan.org.uk for more details.
