Young carers
Young carers have the same rights as other carers under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990.
They can also be considered 'children in need' under the Children's Act 1989, depending upon whether or not the local authority considers the child's caring role as preventing him/her from achieving or maintaining a reasonable standard of social opportunities and achieving full school attendance.
Young carers are children and young people who are the main carers of a sick or disabled parent or sibling. Estimates of the number of young carers in the UK vary between 15,000 and 50,000.
Young carers face serious caring responsibilities. In addition to the daily tasks they complete for their parents, such as housework, cooking and bathing, they live with the added pressure of school and, often, a lack of understanding from schoolmates. The physical and emotional strain is sometimes too much – many skip school and suffer depression.
If you are a carer under the age of 16 years who is providing care, including secondary care, to a vulnerable adult over 18 years you should contact the local Young Carers Project.
Information Shop for young people
The Information Shop for young people is part of a national network of "shops" initiated by the National Youth Agency. It provides free and confidential information, advice and support service for young people between the ages of 14 and 25.
Information is available on:
- education
- environment
- family and relationships
- housing
- money
- employment and training
- Europe
- health
- justice and equality
- sport, travel and leisure
Young health
The NHS has a health website covering a wide range of topics. There's a self-help guide and a healthy living section, too.
Mental health
If you're worried about things and not sure who to talk to, then there are organisations offering help.
Young Minds
Do you feel really down? Are you concerned about harming yourself? Have you been sexually abused? Do you know of someone else with a mental illness?
Now and again it's OK to feel low, stressed, worried. But if those feelings don't go away and begin to affect your day-to-day life, then you will probably need to seek help.
Young Minds is a charity for young people committed to improving your mental health. It will explain what might be causing your problem and offer guidance about what to do next. The website also provides an A-Z of links to other organisations for specific problems.
The MIND Organisation
MIND offer a advice specially for young people, information includes the meaning of mental health and mental illness plus there are sections on understanding certain types of mental health conditions for example depression, eating problems, obsessions. A separate section has been devoted to 'Young Carers' relating to their 'Fears and Concerns'.
Useful contacts
Carers Information
Click on Carers Profiles to find a list of links that may be of use to you.
Childline
For young people wishing to speak about their problem. Telephone 0800 1111 for confidential counselling.
Children's Society
For young carers, their families and those who work to support them across the UK.
Derbyshire Carers Association
Advice for young carers.
Kidscape
Information and support to young people being bullied.
MIND
Help for young people with mental ill health.
Samaritans
A 24-hour confidential telephone service for anyone in despair.
Shelter
Shelter is a national housing advice service.
Young Carers
Derbyshire Young Carers Service
Find out more about Derbyshire County Council's adult care services.
Telephone: 01629 533190
Email: contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk