Young hands holding older hands.
Being a young carer can be difficult. There are places you can get support.

Who is a Young Carer?

A young carer is anyone under the age of 18 who looks after or helps to look after another person in their family. For example, this might be a parent or a younger sister or brother who is sick, or who needs additional support due to a health condition or a disability.

Being a Young Carer

Being a young carer can affect you in different ways. You might:

Your rights as a young carer​

You might enjoy caring for people and this might make you feel happy. Sometimes, however, being a young carer might make you feel under pressure. It is important to remember:

Take a break

You can take a break and look after yourself

Talk

You have the right to talk about your feelings

Get Support

You have the right to get support and to ask for help

Support is available

As a young carer, you might feel like you need support. You are not alone and can always ask for help. 

Is there an adult you trust who you can talk with about how you feel? Childline is always here to listen.

familycarers.ie

You can also have a look at the support available from an organisation called Family Carers Ireland. You can read more information on their website. 

These links will open a new window in your browser.

Check these out too:

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