“Under 18? Caring for an adult or a child?”
You are not alone! – On this page we have lots of advice and support below to help you.
Young Carers Action Day 11th March
Young Carers Action Day happens every year to help support and raise awareness of young carers in the community. These could be some of your friends who may be taking on responsibilities to care for a parent or sibling who.
What is a young carer?
A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who regularly looks after a family member or friend who has a long-term disability, illness, or mental health condition. They may also have to help with caring for a sibling or elderly relative.
A young carer helps a family member with daily tasks like:
- Giving emotional support
- Helping them dress, wash, and get around
- Cooking meals
- Doing the laundry and cleaning
- Shopping
- Collecting prescriptions
Young carers can face lots of challenges as a result of their caring role.
“Sometimes it’s hard“
While some young carers offer practical help, others may provide more emotional support.
Caring for a parent with a physical condition, for example, may involve physical help such as getting dressed or doing the cooking, but caring for a parent with a mental health problem, or who misuses drugs or alcohol, involves more emotional guidance and support.
Sibling carers may feel the need to keep an eye on the brother or sister they care for or worry about them when they are in school.
It can take up a lot of your time and stop you from doing the things you want to do. It may also make you worried, scared or angry for them or what might happen in the future.
It might make you tired at school or college.
Writing things down can help make sense of how you feel.
As a young carer you can feel lonely caring for a parent or relative.
Research shows that this can make young carers be a victim of cyberbullying.
Supporting Young Carers Action Day 2026
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event that takes place in March to raise awareness and support for young carers in our communities.
Resources to Promote Young Carers Action Day
Find out about Young Carers Action Day from the Carers Trust Charity
Where can I get support as a young carer?
- Look at the NHS guide for information on your options as a young carer.
- Activities Unlimited (Suffolk Local Offer) website – For details about short break for young carers.
- Find emotional support in our Emotional Wellbeing Directory.
- Parents and Carers Together (PACT) – They support parents with mental health issues and their children.
- Speak to your Young Carer Lead or Pastoral Support at your school.
Get help and support from Suffolk Family Carers
Suffolk Family Carers offer all young carers information and support to help make their lives better.
You can call them on 01473 835477. They have an online space for Young Carers (5-13) and Young Adult Carers (14-25) to share their experiences, and also have blogs, tips and information.
You can also register for their service. They provide advice, support, advocacy, catch ups, workshops and more!
“The Advisers are very friendly and give you useful advice and information that will make you feel more happy and confident when speaking to others. Plus it’s a great way to make new friends who are in the same situations as yourself. It’s a great way to have a break from home.”
Young Carer/Young Adult Carer Committee
Who are we?
We are a group of young people aged 13-19 years who have long term caring roles for family members.
Our ambition is to raise awareness and influence support and opportunities for Young Carers (5-16yrs) and Young Adult Carers(16+) across Suffolk.
Are you a Young Carer or Young Adult Carer? Get in touch. WE CARE!
To find out more please visit Young Carer/Young Adult Carer Committee
Page updated on March 10th, 2026 at 12:36pm