A child or young person who, without payment, provides help and support to a parent, sibling or other family member, who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.

​

They take on practical and emotional tasks that normally would be undertaken by an adult. The tasks and level of caring undertaken by a young carer can vary, according to the nature of the illness or disability, the level and frequency of care required and the structure of the family unit.

 

 A young person may engage in:

​

•            Practical tasks (cooking, housework and shopping)

•            Physical care (lifting or helping someone use the stairs)

•            Personal care (dressing, washing, helping with toilet needs)

•            Managing the family budget (collecting benefits and prescriptions)

•            Managing medication

•            Looking after younger siblings

•            Helping someone communicate

​