A young carer is someone aged under 19 who helps a family member or friend with tasks they cannot do or they need help to do.
They may need help because they're ill or disabled, have a mental health problem, or they use drugs or alcohol.
You may be able to get support, if you help someone with tasks like:
- cooking, housework, shopping
- lifting, getting up the stairs and physiotherapy
- dressing, washing and helping someone go to the toilet
- listening, calming someone and being present
- paying the bills, managing finances and collecting benefits
- looking after siblings by doing things like walking them to school
- interpreting for parents with hearing or speech needs or who have English as an additional language
- giving them medication like insulin and daily tablets
Get advice and support
You can get advice about:
- your rights, finding local support, health, finances and starting work
- getting help from school, social workers and healthcare professionals
- young people's mental health
- young carers services
- safeguarding in Royal Greenwich
Get support at:
Find local support and connect with other young carers
If you look after someone, you can join the Children and Young People Who Care Network
Being part of this network means you can:
- get involved with other young carers in Royal Greenwich
- hear about things that may affect you, your family or those you care for
If you're aged under 16, when we receive your application, we'll phone you to talk about the network before we add you to it.
If you need help now, or want to know what support you can get, contact the Families Information Service:
- phone 020 8921 6921
- email FIS@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Find activities and things to do
You should be able to take time to do things you enjoy.