Help for young carers
Young carers are children who care for parents, siblings or others, who could have a disability, mental ill health, drug or alcohol dependency or a range of other issues.
These responsibilities may be inappropriate for a child. It can also affect their ability to enjoy their childhood, education and explore the same opportunities as their peers. But there is support available.
Support services for young carers
Carer’s Support Merton is an independent charity which supports all carers, including young carers aged 5-17.
Its young carers team offers:
- one-to-one support sessions
- to attend meetings and support you with your contact with teachers, social workers and healthcare workers
- to help you get other support and know your rights
- to help you access local activities and clubs to give you time out from caring and to meet others in similar situations
Young carer’s assessments
If you are under 18 and care for a family member, you are usually entitled to a young carer’s assessment. This will decide what kind of help you and your family might need.
Social workers who are working with an individual will offer a young carers assessment to any children or young people who have caring responsibilities in relation to them. The social worker may also refer the child or young person to Carers Support Merton who also undertake young carers assessments on our behalf.
You can also refer yourself, or a GP, teacher, family support worker or family member, can do this for you. You will need consent from a parent to use this service.