Young carers are children and young people under
18 years whose lives are affected by caring for an ill or disabled family
member.
Many young carers undertake a wide range of
domestic tasks and responsibilities as well as providing nursing care and
emotional support. This often means they miss out on social and leisure
activities.
It's therefore not surprising that there are often serious consequences to a young carer's own physical and emotional health. They grow up very quickly but their social lives can be badly affected and they can miss out on doing the things that most of their friends enjoy.
Many young carers feel isolated and under
considerable pressure both at home and at school and suffer from stress. Useful
ways of handling stress include talking to friends, exercising, having a hot
bath and reading or singing.
Many young carers experience bullying. A recent study showed that 80% of
young carers had experienced bullying at some time. If you are being bullied:
·
talk to
someone who you are close to
·
find a teacher
who you can talk to and tell them what has happened.
·
try not to
show that you are upset or angry.
·
stick with a
group who are your friends
·
take up a new
hobby that will make you feel good about yourself.
The YMCA offer a counselling service for
young people which is free and confidential.
Carefree Young Carers project provides a
service for young carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland . It provides
information, social and leisure activities, support and an advocacy service. It
runs groups that meet on a regular basis so you can meet up and make friends
with people in a similar situation to you.
Click here to
find details of a young carers groups near you.