Information for Young Carers
Are you a Young Carer?
A Young Carer is someone under 18 who provides unpaid care or support to a family member or friend who could not manage without their help because of illness, disability, mental ill-health or a substance misuse problem.
Every Young Carer's situation is different. You might help someone with things like:
- Shopping
- Cooking
- Washing and cleaning
- Giving medication or other nursing care
- Helping someone get in or out of bed
- Helping someone get washed and dressed
- Spending time with someone for company or listening to their problems
- Looking after brothers or sisters because your parent or another family member is unable to
You might not think of yourself as a carer, especially if these are things you have always done. But if you regularly help to look after someone, you may be a Young Carer and support is available to you.
Register as a Young Carer
If you are a
Young Carer or Young Adult Carer, you can register with us to receive useful information and updates by email.
When you register, you can receive our e-newsletters, which include information about:
- Activities and events for Young Carers
- Support and services available to you
- Funding and grant opportunities
- Short breaks and other opportunities
- Other useful information that may help you in your caring role
You can register yourself, or someone can help you complete the form. A parent or guardian can complete the registration on your behalf, or a professional who knows you – such as a teacher, support worker or someone from another service – can help you complete it.
Once you are registered, we can also talk to you about your caring role and any other support that may be helpful to you. Depending on what is most appropriate, we may contact your parent or guardian, the professional who helped you complete the form, or arrange to speak with you through a school visit.
You don't need to have all the information before you register. Just provide as much information as you can when completing the form.
Register as a Young Carer here
Being a Young Carer
The person you care for might have:
- A serious illness
- A disability or learning difficulty
- A mental health problem
- An addiction to drugs or alcohol
- Age-related difficulties or other support needs
Everyone's experience of being a Young Carer is different.
You might feel proud of the help you give and enjoy spending time with the person you care for. But caring can be difficult too.
You might worry about the person you care for, find it hard to spend time with friends or take part in activities, or feel different from other people your age.
Sometimes caring responsibilities can make it harder to concentrate at school or complete your homework, especially if you are tired. You might also worry about what other people think or be concerned about being bullied.
You are not alone. There are many Young Carers across Shetland, and there are people who can understand what you are going through and help.
Want to know more about being a Young Carer?
This short video may help you understand more about what being a Young Carer means.
You don't have to manage it on your own
Whatever you feel about being a Young Carer, it can help to talk to an adult who can listen, give you advice and help you get support.
There are lots of people who can help if they know you are a Young Carer. If people don't know about your caring responsibilities, they may not realise that you need some extra help.
You could talk to:
- A teacher or another member of staff at school
- Your parent or guardian
- A support worker or other professional you already know
We can help you understand what support may be available and, where appropriate, help you connect with other services.
Other useful contacts
Educational Psychology Service
Tel: 01595 745588
Email: psychological.service.admin@shetland.gov.uk
Duty Social Work
Tel: 01595 744420
Shetland Befriending Scheme
The Shetland Befriending Scheme may be able to support Young Carers up to the age of 15. Please see the criteria on their website.
Tel: 01595 743907
Mind Your Head
Mind Your Head provides information and support around mental health and wellbeing.
Tel: 01595 745035
Sidekick
Sidekick is a confidential helpline for Young Carers across the UK. You can message them at any time about anything that is bothering you as a Young Carer.
Find out more about Sidekick here
Short breaks and grants
There may be opportunities available to help you take a break from your caring role.
Time to Live
You may be able to apply for a Short Break 'Time to Live' grant to help you have a break or do something that is important to you.
Find out more about Time to Live grants here
Respitality
Respitality can provide opportunities for unpaid carers to have a short break from their caring responsibilities.
