Young Carers

A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 18 who looks after or cares for someone who needs support with daily life. A friend or family member (parent, brother, sister, grandparent or other relative) might need support because of illness, disability, serious injury, mental health condition or an addiction.

If a young person is over 16 but under 25 and looks after or has caring responsibilities for someone else, they are a young adult carer. As they enter adulthood, they might have different needs to others who do not have caring responsibilities.

A young carer may or may not live with those they care for.

The 0-19 Public Health Integrated Nursing Service (PHINS) are uniquely placed to raise awareness and identify young carers. Working in collaboration with Family Action Leeds we have developed a pathway which supports Young Carers.

All 0-19 PHINS to undertake routine enquiry with young people and family members where there may be a young carer, during all core visits such as Antenatal, Birth visit and Development reviews as well as on other health assessments with young people where appropriate.

The children’s trust estimates there are around 800,000 young carers in the UK.

27% of 11-15 year olds regularly miss school due to their caring responsibilities.

Unsupported, caring responsibilities can have negative impacts in a range of areas for young people:

• Education, training, or employment opportunities
• Mental & physical health
• Social development
• Self-esteem

0-19 PHINS can provide support for young carers including creating a well-being plan and liaising with other professionals where possible.

If you feel you are a young carer and would like support from 0-19 PHINS please contact us on 0113 8435683.

If you are a professional and would like to refer a young carer into our service for support, please contact us on 0113 8432358.

Carers Leeds Yellow Card Scheme

Many carers worry about what would happen to the person they care for if they were to have an accident themselves or were suddenly taken ill and as a result, were temporarily unable to carry out their caring role. Carers Leeds have a yellow card scheme that all carers can apply for, and this is free of charge.

https://www.carersleeds.org.uk/carers-leeds-emergency-card/

Young Carer Support App

If you are a young carer you can download the Young Carer Support App which will give you support and advice in your local area. This app is free to download and available on Android and Apple.