Young carers are children and young people who are the main carers of a sick or disabled parent or sibling.

They have the same rights as adult carers under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990. They can also be considered 'children in need' under the Children's Act 1989 depending upon whether or not the local authority considers the child's caring role as preventing him/her from achieving or maintaining a reasonable standard of social opportunities and achieving full school attendance.

Young carers can face serious caring responsibilities. In addition to the daily tasks they complete for their parents such as housework, cooking and bathing, they live with the added pressure of school and, often, a lack of understanding from schoolmates. The physical and emotional strain is sometimes too much - many skip school and suffer depression.

If you are a carer under the age of 16 years who is providing care, including secondary care, to a vulnerable adult over 18 years you should contact the local young carers project.

This project offers young carers and their families support information and advice.

The service provides recreational respite, advocacy and support to young people who have caring responsibilities for a relative with a long-term illness or disability.

To join the project, please contact:

Brent Carers Centre
116 Wembley Centre for Health Care
Chaplin Road, Wembley Central
London HA0 4UZ

Telephone: 020 8795 6240
Fax: 020 8795 6250
email@brentcarerscentre.org.uk