Source: Bedfordshire County Council

http://www.bedfordshire.gov.uk/HealthAndSocialCare/Childcare/YoungCarersSupportAndAdvice.aspx

Young Carers - support and advice

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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 18 years who is providing care, including secondary care, to a vulnerable adult over 18 years you should contact the Intake & Assessment Duty Desk or talk to the social worker of the person you care for to request a Carer’s Assessment.

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.

For information email: childrensservices@bedscc.gov.uk|.
Bedfordshire Carers Helpline 0300 0123435
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