What is a young carer?

Definition of a young carer

Edinburgh Young Carers Project works with young people aged 5 to 25 years old who care for or are affected by someone else at home – usually a parent or sibling.

The person they care for may suffer from:

mental health problems
disability
chronic ill-health
drug and alcohol misuse

pie chart indicating caring responsibilities

Caring responsibilities can affect a young person:

EMOTIONALLY - Putting other people’s needs first, being worried, anxious or stressed. Feelings of guilt, anger, being trapped, isolated and being misunderstood.
PHYSICALLY - Suffering from pains or strains from heavy lifting or helping someone to wash or dress.
SOCIALLY - Not able to meet up with friends regularly. Feeling isolated and lacking confidence. A possible target for being bullied.
EDUCATIONALLY - Difficulties concentrating in class, feeling tired, worried, with no time to do homework.
FINANCIALLY - Low family income. Not having enough money for basic needs.

Most young carers go unnoticed or unrecognised, until there is a crisis.

Often, family members do not want people outside the home to know that someone is ill. They may fear that the family could become separated.

The level and type of care undertaken by a young carer varies according to their individual circumstance.

Young carers' rights

Edinburgh Young Carers Project is committed to the promotion of the rights children and young people and in particular:

“EVERY YOUNG CARER IS A UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL”

All young carers have the right to—

Make their own decisions and choices, (to be a child, a carer or both).
Be heard, listened to and believed.
Protection from physical and psychological harm.
Information and choice.
Stop physically caring.

All young carers have the right to be consulted about issues that affect them, to be supported to participate and to have their views taken fully into account.

Statistics

The national census of 2001 identified over 900 young carers under the age 16 years old in Edinburgh. There are many young carers who remain hidden. It is thought that the true figure may be as high as 5,000.

Key findings from recent research

G Armstrong: Edinburgh University and NHS Lothian 2004.
Found that:

The majority of known young carers live in deprived circumstances
Significantly higher admission rate to health care services
Significantly higher referral rate for child protection
Significantly higher referral rate to mental health services
Evidence of young carers shouldering an unacceptable burden of care

V Cree: University of Edinburgh 2002.
Found that:

Young carers have significant worries and problems that are not being addressed
Some worries typical of age group but also significant worries in relation to caring and the cared for person
Major loss and disruption as a consequence of caring situation
Those caring for longer worry most
Isolation and no one to talk to a major issue

WORRIES
81% Health of person being cared for
67% Own health
53% Who will look after them
68% School work
36% Bullying
48% Money
35% Having no friends
30% Where they will stay

PROBLEMS
25% Problems with police due to parental drinking
60% Sleeping problems
30% Eating problems
34% Self harm
36% Thought about suicide

WHAT HELPS YOUNG CARERS?
Someone to speak to – 100%
Meeting other young carers – 88%
Getting out and taking part in groups and activities with other young carers – 86%
Breaks from caring – 84%
Other support – e.g. counselling