August 12th is International Youth Day. This year, the focus is on safe spaces for youth. In today’s blog, content developer Ella looks at safe places where young carers can go if they need more information and support.
What is a young carer?
A young carer is someone who is under the age of 18 who spends time looking after someone who is ill. Young carers might do extra things to help their families. For example, they might:
They may also do other things for the person who has cancer like help them get dressed, give them their medicines or change their bandages.
Being a young carer can be really hard. It can feel like a big responsibility. But positive things can also come out of the experience. They may become closer to the person they look after, learn new skills and feel more grown-up.
Many young carers do not see themselves as carers. In this video Macmillan Young Carers Schools Coordinator June, and young carers Ryan, Ellie, Jak, Rima and Siana discuss the challenges young carers face and the importance of getting support:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=32&v=Th6_pSiRgnY
Safe spaces for young carers
It is important that young carers know where they can go for more information and support. Read on for some of the places where they can go. Remember that different options will work for different people. It depends on their situation and personal preferences.
School or college
For some young carers, going to school or college is a welcome relief. It means that they can see friends and forget about their problems for a few hours. For others, going to school means being away from the person that they are looking after, and this can be worrying.
Not everyone will have the same experience. But telling the school or college that they are looking after someone with cancer will make it far easier to get support if they need it.
Support groups
Support groups are a really good way to relax and chill out. They give young carers a chance to meet up with other young people like them. Their school or college may already have a support group. Or the local council might have set one up. Ask around, or look online to see if there is a support group in your area.
Young carers' projects
Young carers’ projects are run by young carer workers. They can offer:
Visit youngcarer.com/young-carers-services to find a young carers' project near you.
Social workers
A social worker is someone who helps people sort out their practical and financial problems.
The law says that any young carer (or their family) can ask for a local social worker to visit them and do a young carer’s assessment. The assessment is a chat to find out what help the young carer and family might need or want. A GP can refer people for a young carer’s assessment.
Voluntary organisations and charities
There are lots of charities in the UK that can help young carers, whatever their situation. Macmillan Cancer support offers practical, emotional and financial help for anyone affected by cancer, including young people and carers.
There are charities just for young people, like the Children’s Society. And there are charities that support families, such as Family Action. Charities like Carers Trust and Carers UK are there for anyone who looks after someone who is ill or disabled.
Online forums
Joining an online forum can put young carers in touch with each other. Some examples are:
We have more information for young carers about staying safe online.
Health and social care professionals
Young carers might need to speak with health and social care professionals. This could include doctors, nurses, pharmacists or youth workers. We have a helpful list of professionals who young carers might meet, and what they do.
Young carers may have questions for the professionals about the health of the person they are looking after. Or they may want to ask for more help. They may find it helpful to write down what they want to say before talking to them. Or they could ask an adult to speak to a professional on their behalf.
If you are a young carer or know someone who is, we hope this blog has helped you find out more about the help and support available to you. Remember you can always call our support line to talk on 0808 808 00 00 Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.
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We're with you every step of the way
The Macmillan team is here to help. Our cancer support specialists can answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen if you need a chat. Call us free on 0808 808 00 00.
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