Young Adult Carers

Derbyshire Young Carers support young people as they transition into adulthood and independence while continuing to provide unpaid care. 

Being a Young Adult Carer

A Young Adult Carer is someone aged between 18 and 25 who is responsible for the care of another person (usually a relative) who has an ongoing serious health condition or mental health problem, sensory impairment, alcohol or drug addiction, a physical or learning disability, HIV or AIDs or is elderly or frail.

As a young adult carer you might be involved in emotional support or personal care for the person that you care for, domestic tasks or general care.  This is different from person to person.

You may find it difficult to manage your caring role with school, college or work.  You might feel isolated and that your friends just don’t understand what you are going through.  You may need information and advice on the illness or disabilities of the person you care for. You may feel that your caring role has made you more confident. However your caring role makes you feel we can offer support and a range of services:-

Support to access a Carer’s Assessment; to talk through your caring role, plan support and help you access other services

Emergency Planning

Emotional Support through one to one sessions and groups

Information, advice and signposting

Groups, activities and workshops

Information, Guidance and support to fulfill training, employment and educational needs

Representation at meetings

How we can support you :-

  1.   Have a great start in life.  Being a carer may have impacted on your learning and personals goals.  This doesn’t mean that you cannot re-look at your education, employment or training.  We can help you achieve your goals.

  2.  As a project we can be your voice. We can speak to your school, college, university or training provider on your behalf.  If you would like to return to education we will support you every step of the way.

  3.  Enjoy the best possible health, be listened to and treated with respect.  As a carer you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment.  This will help us understand how much caring you do, the type of caring and the impact this is having on your life.  All support is individual and person centred, we are here to listen to you.

  4.  Access to leisure and fun.  Carers of all ages can have limited time to see friends.  We can look at this for you to see how this can be improved.  We can offer groups and activities and a chance to meet other carers. 

  5.  Good emotional health and wellbeing.  Being listened to is the first part of our support, we can offer you one to one support

Useful links

A guide to getting into work for young adult carers

https://carers.org/finding-paid-work/a-guide-to-getting-into-work-for-young-adult-carers

Many universities and colleges have initiatives or support programmes in place to help students with care responsibilities.

https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/individual-needs/students-caring-responsibilities

Top tips for Young Adult Carers off to university

https://www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/post/top-tips-for-young-adult-carers-off-to-university