Support for young carers

Growing up in a family where someone is ill, has a disability, suffers from mental health problems or is addicted often has an impact on children and young people. These children are known as young carers.

On this page you will find information for:

parents who are wondering how their child is getting on
teachers and professionals who recognise the signs and want to know what they can do
young carers looking for support, advice or someone to talk to

Here you’ll find information about young carers, practical tips, our range of activities and support, and a video in which a mother talks about her illness and how her children benefit from the support.

Together, we ensure that young carers are recognised and receive the support they need.

For parents

Is your child a young carer?

Is your child dealing with illness, a disability, mental health issues or addiction at home? If so, your child may be a young carer.

Children and young people often lend a hand, worry or adapt to the situation at home. Sometimes you hardly notice it, but it can have a significant impact on their daily lives.

For example, your child may be tired, tense or irritable more often. Or they may be skipping sports, hobbies or meeting up with friends more frequently.

We offer free activities, one-to-one support, training sessions and social gatherings for young carers aged 4 to 24. Relaxation, a sense of belonging and the chance to connect with peers.

Do you recognise this in your child? Please feel free to contact us.

A girl wraps her arms around her little brother and sister.

For teachers and professionals

Do you notice any warning signs in a pupil or young person?

Young carers grow up providing care or looking after someone at home. They are not always recognised in the classroom, but their situation can affect their behaviour, concentration and academic performance. Young carers may face three types of care: worrying about others, looking after others, or lacking care themselves. Did you know that one in four children is a young carer?

Possible signs:

Concentration problems
Changes in academic performance
Disruptive or inattentive behaviour in the classroom

Are you concerned about a pupil or young person? We’d be happy to help you find suitable support.

A boy and a girl with rucksacks at school.

Children and young people

Are you a young carer yourself?

Do you spend a lot of time at home looking after a sick parent, brother, sister or someone else in your family? Do you often worry or help out a lot? Then you might be a young carer. You’re not alone. With us, you can meet other young people, take part in activities or simply have a chat with someone who understands what you’re going through.

Or take the test below.

Young people together, talking to one another, with a smile on his face

QUIZ

Are you (perhaps) a young carer? Take the test!

Answer these 10 questions and find out whether you’re doing things that are typical of a young carer. It’s not a test. Just take a moment to be honest with yourself. So there are no right or wrong answers.

Download the quiz, keep track of your score and find out if you’re a young carer.

Quiz for young carers

pdf | 995KB

What we can do

Young carers often think of others first. With us, there’s space for them too. During training sessions and activities, they meet peers who understand what it’s like. This gives them support, new experiences and greater resilience. Participation is free of charge.

Sign up Alles op z'n Kopp

Children and young people of parents with mental health or addiction problems often face additional challenges. In this training, they find recognition, share experiences and learn to cope with their situation.

8-12 and 13-16 years
Number of sessions: 8

Sign up Piep said the mouse

Sometimes, emotions at home can be overwhelming and difficult to understand. Piep de muis helps young children to recognise, share and process their feelings. In this way, they build self-confidence and learn that they are not on their own.

Ages 6–8
Number of sessions: 8

Sign up Lucky Box

Happiness can be learned! In this training, children discover what makes them happy, work on a positive mindset and build their self-confidence. Together, they fill their own happiness suitcase with beautiful memories and compliments.

8-12 years
Number of sessions: 6

Apply for Rots and Water training

This training helps children and young people to stand firmly on their feet. Through sports, games and talks, they work on self-confidence, resilience and dealing with emotions. This is how they become stronger, inside and out.

8-12 and 13-16 years old
Number of sessions: 6 to 8

Sign up Brushing course

Siblings of children with disabilities, illnesses or mental health problems often face a lot. In the bruss course, they meet fellow sufferers, share experiences and learn to cope with their feelings.

10-14 years
Number of sessions: 5

More information?

Contact us

We are happy to work alongside parents, professionals and young people themselves to find suitable support. Please feel free to contact us without obligation.

Call: 0320 - 7071 59 Mail us