Young carer

A young carer is a child or young adult who spends time looking after and helping a member of their family, or a close friend, with every day tasks they can no longer manage because of illness or disability.

That help may be shopping, making meals, doing the housework, doing the laundry or nursing care, such as giving medication or lifting someone up and downstairs or in and out of bed. Or maybe you give your time just to be with someone when they need company.

What sort of help can I get?

As a young carer, there are two kinds of support that you can access:

Group Work

Group work provides a choice for young carers, giving you friendship and support. It can help to develop social skills and can reduce your sense of isolation. It can also give you the opportunity to experience the everyday pleasures of being young, which is an essential part of the process of everyone's growth and development.

It is a supportive environment where you'll be listened to and encouraged to identify your own needs.

One to One Support

The One to One Support scheme aims to match young carers with 'befrienders' on the basis of individual needs. A befriender is someone who will give that much needed listening ear and can provide information and advice to a young carer.

A befriender is a trained volunteer who is willing to make a commitment to a young carer, and in return they receive on-going support and training.

You can also get in touch with the Friends of Young Carers, who have their own website and Twitter account - see their website at:  

Friends of Young Carers

Useful contacts

Wigan and Leigh Young Carers
Address: Hesketh Meadow, 196 Newton Road, Lowton, Warrington, WA3 2AQ
Phone: 01942 487267

Children's Duty Team
Address: Wigan Council, People Directorate; Children, Adults and Families, Town Hall, Ince Green Lane, Ince, Wigan, WN3 4QX
Phone: 01942 828300
Fax: 01942 828320
Web: http://www.wigan.gov.uk/Services/HealthSocialCare/ChildProtection/CINDutyTeam.htm
Email: cindutyteam@wigan.gov.uk