Young Carers are children who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability, a mental health problem or a substance misuse problem, taking on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

Princess Royal Trust for Carers

Young Carers may provide physical care, for example helping a parent to get up or get dressed, or they may provide emotional support for someone who has a mental illness or substance addiction. In addition, many Young Carers also help to look after younger siblings, and often undertake a lot of the household chores.

The 2001 Census identified 175,000 young people nationally who have caring responsibilities. The majority care for up to 19 hours per week and 16% care for between 20 and 50 hours per week.

Research has shown that Young Carers may have a maturity and sense of responsibility that is beyond their age; however this comes at a cost as Yong Carers often experience the following difficulties:

• stress
• depression
• restricted social, educational and career opportunities

Dearden and Becker (2000) Growing Up Caring

Cumbria Children’s Services are committed to supporting Young Carers across Cumbria, so that children and young people do not feel overwhelmed by their caring responsibilities and can reach their full potential as they grow up. We will do this by listening to the views of Young Carers across Cumbria and by developing a multi agency strategy that brings many different partners and agencies together to support Young Carers fully.