Who are Young Carers?

A young carer is a person under the age of 18 years who provides care for another person, most commonly a parent or brother or sister, because that person has an illness or disability, mental health problem or problems with addiction to alcohol or drugs.

The 2001 Census showed that there are 3,300 young people in Hampshire in this situation and many may feel alone or isolated and unable to talk to anyone about their situation. Talking to another young person can often help.

There is lots of information to help young carers. Hampshire has many projects and support groups. To find out about projects in your area please look at the 'project' section under  'H' and 'Hampshire' in the 'Young Carers Initiative' website (part of the Children's Society):

Young Carers Initiative - Projects in Hampshire

Many families where someone is disabled or ill will be worried that contact with the authorities might lead to interference, or worse still, being told what they can and cannot do. You should have nothing to fear, both health and social services are there to help you as a family and to do everything they can to support you.