Young carers

A young carer is a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person.

This relates to care for any family member who is physically or mentally ill, frail, elderly, disabled or misuses alcohol or substances.

Children should not undertake inappropriate or excessive caring roles that may have an impact on their development. A young carer becomes vulnerable when their caring role risks impacting upon their emotional or physical well-being and their prospects in education and life.’ (Care and Support Statutory Guidance. Issued under the Care Act. DH 2014. Paragraph 2.49).

Caring can be:

• Physical: Helping with things like washing, dressing, or moving around.
• Emotional: Providing support and comfort.
• Taking Responsibility: Managing household tasks or looking after siblings.

Who does a young carer help look after?

A young carer might look after:

• Parent or step-parent
• Sibling(s)
• A grandparent

Who is a young carer?

Young carers are children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 who care for a family member with:

• A long-term illness
• A physical disability
• Learning difficulties
• A mental health condition
• Substance misuse issues

When is someone not a young carer?

Someone is not a young carer if they are:

• Babysitting for money
• Doing chores for pocket money
• Looking after a sibling because their parent works long hours

To be a young carer, there must be a health need involved.

There are groups for young carers in secondary schools and other community centres across the city:

• For 8-14 year olds: Every Saturday morning at the John Pounds Centre in Portsea.
• For 8-18 year olds: Every Wednesday evening at the Paulsgrove Family Hub (Cheltenham Road, Paulsgrove PO6 3PL).
• For 14-18 year olds: Every Monday evening at the Carers Centre (117 Orchard Road, Southsea PO4 0AD).
• For 18-25 year olds: Every Wednesday evening at the Carers Centre (117 Orchard Road, Southsea PO4 0AD).

There are also activities for young people aged 5 to 18 during school holidays.

Under the Children & Families Act 2014, children have the right to a young carer’s assessment. This means they can get the support and help they need.

You can use this form to refer a young carer to the Young Carers service. You can use this form to give consent for a young carer to access youth group.

For more advice and support, contact:

Young Carers Team
Somerstown Family Hub
Omega Street
Southsea
PO5 4LP

Phone: 023 9288 2588

Email: youngcarers@portsmouthcc.gov.uk