You might be a young carer without realising it. A young carer is a child or young person, usually aged 18 or under, who helps look after someone in their family.
Many young carers support a parent, whilst others help care for a brother, sister, grandparent, or another family member.
You might not think of yourself as a young carer because helping at home feels normal to you. However, if you regularly help look after someone who needs support, you may be a young carer.
Every caring situation is different, and every young carer’s experience is unique.
You may be a young carer if you regularly help with:
If you regularly help with some of these tasks, you may be a young carer.
Helping someone you care about can feel rewarding and is something to be proud of.
However, caring can sometimes be challenging too.
Young carers may experience:
You might feel responsible for helping others whilst trying to balance school, hobbies, and everyday life.
Being a young carer can sometimes make school more difficult.
You may:
Support is available to help young carers balance education and caring responsibilities.
Many young people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent help care for someone at home.
Although it can sometimes feel like nobody understands what you’re going through, there are other young carers facing similar challenges.
Support is available, and there are people who understand how caring can affect your life.
North Staffs Carers supports young carers by providing:
Our aim is to make sure young carers feel recognised, supported, and able to enjoy opportunities outside of their caring role.
If you live in Stoke-on-Trent, referrals are managed through the CHAD Team.
Email: chad.referrals@stoke.gov.uk
If you live in Newcastle-under-Lyme or Staffordshire Moorlands, North Staffs Carers can help you access support and services for young carers.
Every young carer’s experience is different.
Our Young Carer Stories section shares the experiences of young people who understand what it is like to balance caring responsibilities alongside school, friendships, and everyday life.
Through written stories and videos, young carers share:
These stories help young carers realise they are not alone and that support is available.
If you help look after someone at home, support may be available.
Find out how North Staffs Carers can help you access advice, activities, support groups, counselling, and opportunities to connect with other young carers.
