Young carers

How do I know if I am a young carer?

Young carers include anyone under the age of 18 who looks after or supports someone at home who has a long term illness, disability, or life-limiting condition.

This might be a parent, sibling, step-parent, grandparent, or any other member of your family. It is likely that whoever you support would struggle to cope without your help.

Some of the things you might do include:

• Giving your loved one medication or reminding them to take it.
• Doing extra chores around the house.
• Providing emotional support.
• Helping to look after younger siblings.
• Helping your loved one with personal care such as bathing or dressing.

Lots of young carers find their own lives are different from their peers. It might be difficult for you to make or keep friendships as your caring role makes it difficult to go to social events or spend time with your friends. If you're tired, you might find it difficult to keep up at school or struggle to find time for studying/homework. It might be that you are struggling with your own mental health, whether you feel low in mood, worried, anxious or isolated.

Caring for someone with a mental health need

If the person you care for is getting help from LPFT due to a mental health condition, you can contact their care team to let them know that you are a young carer.

They may be able to share information with you about your loved one's care and treatment that will help you in your caring role.

If your loved one does not want information sharing with you, this does not stop you from sharing any concerns you have. You can share information with the care team that you believe is important about the person you care for, even if that person does not want you to be told any information about the care and treatment they are receiving. 

Caring for someone with a mental health condition can be emotionally draining and it is vital that you remember to look after your own mental health. To be able to look after someone you love to the best of your ability you must be well in yourself.

What if I need some help?

It can sometimes be really hard to make your needs heard as a young carer. Reach out to anyone you feel comfortable with. This might be a teacher, youth worker, or other professional in your life, and they can make a young carers referral to support you.

You can contact the young carers team directly on 01522 223275 or by emailing youngcarers@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

They will be able to do an assessment with you to ensure that you have access to the right support, information, and advice that you need. They will talk to you about any worries that you may have and what you think you need to change that would make things better for you in your caring role.

You can also email the LPFT carers service for help and advice at carers.lpft@nhs.net.