Young Adult Carers may feel isolated from their peers, feel financially disadvantaged and miss out on age appropriate social activities. They may have missed out on gaining qualifications and struggle with accessing further and higher education, or employment. They may have low self-esteem and find decision-making difficult.
In the UK, 244,000 people under 19 are carers, caring for their parents, siblings and family members. In England, 1 in 12 young carers spend more than 15 hours a week looking after a parent or sibling, and 1 in 20 misses school.
Young Adult Carers (16-24) provide care to family members who have a long term illness/disability. This includes both chronic and terminal illness, physical disability which impairs day to day life, learning difficulties, mental health problems, drug/alcohol dependency and autistic spectrum disorders.
If you’re 13 to 16 and want contraception, an abortion or tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents (or carer) as long as they believe that you fully understand the information you’re given, and your decisions.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you to smile. People who help you up when you’re down. People who would never take advantage of you. People who are honest and genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in your life.
If your parents separate you may feel loss: of “home”, of trust in the past and future, of security and protection, of financial stability, and of what family has meant to you until now.
If one or both parents are leaning too heavily on you for support, discuss with them who else they can turn to. You will have limits, bearing in mind all the other things you have to do.
Finding it hard to talk about how you are really feeling? Samaritans is a safe place to turn; it’s anonymous and confidential: 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
Decide who the ‘people of value’ are in your life. These are the real people you know who mean something to you. Look after them and your relationship with them.
If something is troubling you, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All chats are completely confidential. You can reach them on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .