Support for younger carers

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Help, validation and local support

If you help to look after someone at home and are under the age of 18, you might be a young carer. That could mean supporting a parent, brother or sister, grandparent, or another family member who has a long‑term illness, disability, mental health difficulty or substance use issue. Caring can include practical jobs, keeping someone company, helping with appointments or medicines, and a lot of emotional support. However you describe it, your role matters and you’re not on your own.

How Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) can help

Tell us if you’re helping to care for someone. We will listen, consider this in your care plan, and connect you with local young carer services. That recognition can ease pressure and help you and your family get the right support at the right time.

Find support in your borough

Use the links below to contact your local young carer service directly. They offer information, one‑to‑one help, groups, activities and breaks.

Not in these five boroughs?

Search for your nearest young carer service via Carers Trust’s national network:

https://carers.org/getting-support-if-you-are-a-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer (use the “Find your local carer service” tool on this page).

In a hurry or not sure where to start?

  • Tell your CAMHS clinician you may be a young carer. We’ll help you work out next steps.
  • You can also contact your local service directly using the links above. Services are friendly, confidential and set up to support you.

 

Parents

If you’re a parent living with mental health challenges, or difficulties linked to alcohol or drugs, you are not alone. Many families experience similar pressures, and support is available for you and your children. Talking openly about what’s going on at home can feel daunting, but it’s an important first step towards getting the right help.

If you think your child may have taken on caring responsibilities, it can be really positive to link them with a local Young Carers service. These services are designed to support your child, not judge your parenting. Their role is to make sure young people have someone to talk to, get a break when they need one, and feel understood. Getting your child support does not automatically involve children’s services and in most situations, it simply helps your family access practical advice, emotional support and local activities.

If you already have a GP, care co‑ordinator or another professional involved in your care, you can talk with them about what support might help you and your family. They can guide you to services that focus on your wellbeing, your child’s wellbeing, and the strengths and resilience within your family.

This page was shaped using good‑practice examples from NHS services that co‑produce resources with young carers, keeping information clear, compassionate and practical.

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