Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide, or intend to provide, care, assistance or support to another family member. They carry out, often on a regular basis, significant or substantial caring tasks and assume a level of responsibility, which would usually be associated with an adult.
The person receiving care is often a parent but can be a sibling, grandparent or other relative who is disabled, has some chronic illness, mental health problem or other condition connected with a need for care, support or supervision.
You are entitled to an assessment of your own needs. This is to find out what help you may need to continue caring but also to continue with as normal life as possible and to grow up just like any other child/young person in Waltham Forest. It is a chance for you to say just what you need.
You can also say that you can no longer do the caring tasks and that some other way must be found to support the person you care for. You can meet with the assessor in private so that you can speak openly about the situation and what you want.
Services can also be provided to you to enable you to continue caring. This can include practical help in the home.
Young carers could also approach their school nurse or pastoral care teacher for support. In addition, you can also be provided with:
- information
- someone to talk to
- activities or outings
- advocates
For more information
Contact:
Waltham Forest Family Service Unit
Young Carers Service
20 Coopers Lane
Leyton E10 5DG
Tel 020 8539 0004
