Your Life

Young Carers

Under 18? Caring for an adult or a child?

If the answer is yes, you may be a "young carer".

You might be providing care for lots of different reasons, like physical illness, disability, mental health, learning difficulties, or misuse of drugs or alcohol.

Sometimes it's hard...

Most people want to help a parent, brother, sister or other family member when they can't do things for themselves, like shopping, checking their medicine, helping with washing or dressing and walking around, and talking to them and listening. But sometimes it's hard.

It can take up a lot of your time, and stop you from seeing your friends or doing the things you like to do, like playing games.

It might even make you tired at school.

You're not alone!

There are about 4,000 children and young people who act as young carers in Suffolk.

Suffolk County Council wants to help you.

The Council believes that no young person should be disadvantaged just because they’re caring for someone.

The Council would like to identify all children and young people in Suffolk who are (or may become) young carers, then offer more support and services to protect young carers and make their lives better.


What help is there for me?

For general info about family carers, or talking about being a young carer and what support is available to you:

Email customer.first@suffolk.gov.uk

Phone 0808 800 4005

Remember - if you use the phone, get permission from the person who pays the bill before you call!

Suffolk Family Carers

Another organisation that can help you is Suffolk Family Carers

Suffolk Family Carers has workers who can talk to you about how you feel. They also run groups and activities with other young people who are caring for others, just like you. They can also help you and your family to talk with the people that provide care to the person you look after, and make sure that people understand what you are feeling and what you are doing.

We’d love to know what you think!

We’d love to know what you think about young carers. Your answers will help the Council put together its strategy.

  • What do you think young carers want?
  • What support should be available from schools for young carers?
  • How can other organisations or services help young carers?

Please email your answers to Trisha.Stevens@suffolk.gov.uk


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