A young carer is someone aged under 21 who cares for a relative or friend who has physical or mental health issues, a disability or problems with drugs or alcohol.

Young carers provide help by doing things like chores, shopping, helping with hygiene (bathing, getting dressed), giving medication and looking after younger brothers and sisters.

Being a young carer can affect you in many ways. You aren’t able to go out much, or able to access the same opportunities as other young people. You might end up getting in trouble for missing school or being distracted.

Sometimes you might feel very scared and stressed about the person you are looking after in case they get worse or something happens when you are not with them.

A lot of people don’t understand what it feels like to be a young carer. You might feel angry or have mood swings. Also, when you are caring so much for someone else you might not look after yourself very well, such as not eating, sleeping or getting enough exercise.

But it can feel really special to be a young carer. You can feel proud of what you do and be happy to spend time with the people you love.

And there are lots of places you can go for support and things you can do to help. There are lots of ideas on this site, and also in our young peoples area YC4L.