Caring and illnesses

Some young people look after one or both of their parents. You might have helped to look after a parent for as long as you can remember. Or your parent might have suddenly become ill or disabled. Whatever the situation, caring for someone often brings up lots of feelings. Many young carers enjoy looking after their parent and find it rewarding. But it can also cause a lot of worry and stress.

Your parent might have a physical illness, disability or a drug or alcohol problem. You might have to help around the home with cooking, cleaning and paying bills. Some young carers might also have to help their parents with washing, dressing or going to the toilet.

If your parent has a mental health problem, you might not have to do as many jobs around the house, but you might have to stay in a lot to keep your parent company, listen when they're feeling worried or anxious, cope with mood swings or unusual behaviour, and be a shoulder to cry on.

Some young carers who look after parents may also have to look after their brothers or sisters.

If you're caring for a parent you should be able to get extra help if you need it, or more information and advice.

Where to get help

Family doctors and nurses are often good people to talk to about being a young carer. If you or your parent has a social worker, the social worker might be able to make sure that there are other people and services that can help the whole family. Social services might need to do an assessment of you and your family. This isn’t anything scary, it’s just a way of finding out what would help you and your family. It can make sure that you're not missing out on help that you need or steps you should be taking.

You can speak to a teacher if you're caring for a parent and are finding it difficult to keep up at school.

Watch the video below to find out about two sisters whose mum has cerebral palsy.