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Young carers

 
A young carer is someone aged eight to 17 who takes on caring responsibilities for a member of their family due to illness or disability.

The young carer may be helping a parent who is experiencing mental health difficulties, physical disabilities, or a long-term illness. The young carer may be helping to care for a brother or sister who has physical or learning disability.

The young person may be taking on extra household chores, sorting out medications, personal care, comforting someone, or watching over the person being cared for. These tasks may be impacting on their school life, social opportunities and/or their own emotional and physical health.

Help is available

Greenwich Carers' Centre has a range of support aimed at young carers and their families, including:

  • Information and advice
  • Assessment and outreach
  • Monthly newsletter
  • Befriending and peer group support
  • Activities and short-term breaks
  • Workshops
  • Advocacy
  • Young Carers Forum
When you are referred to the Greenwich Carers' Centre, you will receive a Young Carers' Information Pack and a member of staff will contact you to arrange to visit you at home to find out what support would be most helpful to you and your family.

How to refer to the service

Anyone wishing to find out more about the young carers' services at the Greenwich Carers' Centre can contact us directly using the contact information in the menu to the right.

We also have a downloadable referral form.

The referral must be made with the permission of the young person being referred. We accept referrals from:

  • Greenwich Council Children’s Department
  • Schools
  • The local PCT
  • Other voluntary sector organisations
  • Parents
  • Young Carers
The referral form can be sent or faxed to us. 

You can find contact details for Greenwich Young Carers here.

Further information

The web links menu in the Useful links menu to the right will take you to more information about benefits and support available to carers in the UK.

Our Carers' Information Booklet will also give you detailed information about assessments and who to contact for help and information as a carer.

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