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What is a Young Carer?
A Young Carer is someone under the age of 18 years who regularly provides unpaid care for another family member or friend who is ill, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.
It is estimated that there are approximately 700,000 Young Carers in the UK, but many go unnoticed or do not realise they are a Young Carer and therefore don't receive the support they need.
What do Young Carers do?
Young Carers often take on caring responsibilities usually carried out by adults, these can include:
Physical: Helping someone out of bed
Practical/Domestic: Cooking, Cleaning, Shopping
Personal: Helping someone bathe, toilet or brush their teeth
Financial: Managing the family budget, paying bills, collecting benefits
Communicative: Interpret, sign or use another communication method for the person you care for
Provide emotional support e.g. keeping someone calm
Taking care of siblings: Taking them to school, giving them their dinner, supervising them
Manage and give medication
Who do I speak to if I am a Young Carer?
If you are or think you might be a Young Carer you can speak to Connell's Young Carers Champion: Carmen Castrillon. Carmen can be contacted directly by email: carmen.castrillon@coopacademies.co.uk or by phone: 0161 231 9200. Alternatively you can always speak to any member of staff about any concerns or problems you may have.
If you are a Young Carer please don’t keep it to yourself, let us help as there is a variety of support available. The type of support will depend on your circumstances but a few examples include: deadline extensions, time management, free school meals, financial aid, mental health support and care packages and resources.
External Support
Below are links for local Young Carer support agencies. For more information and support about being a Young Carer please visit:
https://hsm.manchester.gov.uk/kb5/manchester/directory/home.page
https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/200015/carers/7309/young_carers
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/young-carers
https://www.manchestercarers.org.uk/
https://www.carersmanchester.org.uk/young-carers/
https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/young-carers/
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