Renfrewshire Council

What young carers do

Young carers take on responsibilities and tasks to support a parent, sibling, relative or friend, like:

• extra housework, cooking and shopping
• helping the cared for person to wash or dress
• taking care of family finances
• helping a family member with their medication
• providing emotional support
• caring for someone with an alcohol or substance misuse issue
• caring for someone with a mental health illness

The effects of being a young carer

Looking after someone can feel good for young carers.

But sometimes it can be difficult and may mean for you:

• you may be late for school, or have to take days off
• it can be difficult to complete homework deadlines
• you may be worried a lot or all of the time
• you don't have time to take part in clubs and activities after school or at the weekends
• it is difficult to talk to anyone about home life, you worry people may not understand, or that you might be treated differently.

You can see a short video on what life is like for young carers on the BBC Newsround website. 

The Young Carer Statement

A Young Carer Statement identifies a young carer's individual needs and personal outcomes and forms a plan to help them achieve their goals.

The aim of a Young Carer Statement is to support young carers to have a life alongside their caring role.

A Young Carer Statement will help with some of the challenges associated with being a young person with caring responsibilities. 

We work in partnership with Renfrewshire Carers Centre to give support to young carers, including

• group work
• individual work
• opportunities to meet other young carers
• develop new friendships.

Where to get support

If you know someone who is a young carer and who might want a Young Carer Statement, contact Cathy Mearns, Young Carer Social Worker, on 0141 618 6646 or email cathy.mearns@renfrewshire.gov.uk.