Young CarersIf you're a young carer, friends and relatives are often the first people to turn to for help with problems. Talking things through with them can be really helpful. If you find it hard to talk to others, try to write your thoughts in a diary, poem or letter first. This can help to make sense of your thoughts and how you feel, before getting help. Missing schoolYou may feel you have to miss school to care for someone. But missing school can affect your whole future. Try to get help as quickly as possible so the situation does not go on for a long time. A GP, nurse, social worker or another person whose job is to help the person you look after can organise more support at home to help you concentrate on school or college. Are you being bullied?Bullying can include being deliberately left out of activities or groups, as well as being called names, hit, kicked, punched or threatened. Young carers are sometimes bullied because the person they care for is ill or disabled, or because they cannot always do the things other young people can. Some people are bullied for no reason. Find out more from Bullying UK ChildlineChildline is a free and confidential telephone helpline for children on 0800 11 11. You can talk to someone on Childline who may be able to give you advice and get you help. They will not tell anyone that you have called. Meet other young carersMeeting up with other young carers is a great way to make new friends, have some fun and share some of your worries with people in similar situations to your own. Young carers projects can help you have a break from home, plus meeting other young carers can help you to relax. Young carers projects may offer evening clubs, weekends away, days out and even holidays, as well as friendly advice and information for you and for your family. The Children's Society runs the Young Carers Festival and funds projects for young carers. KIDS is an organisation specially for carers under the age of 18. It runs regular clubs where you can meet other young carers as well as offering support, advice and information. Action for Children can put you in touch with other young carers. It also has free places for young carers at its residential activity camps. If you're worried about your own mental health, you can find support through the children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS). There are services all over the country helping young people with mental health conditions. Macmillan nurses from the national charity Macmillan Cancer Support can help people who are affected by cancer and young carers. They provide a range of medical and emotional support for people who have cancer, and their families. Other organisations that can help young carersCitizens Advice has information on money, benefits and your rights. The National Careers Service has a helpline, webchat and email service about education and careers for teenagers. Support is also available up to the age of 25 for those who have learning difficulties or disabilities. Get in touch with Carers DirectFor advice and support with caring issues over the phone, call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053. If you're deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or have impaired speech, you can contact the Carers Direct helpline using textphone or minicom number 0300 123 1004. |