Young Carers' Project - Oxford City
Young carers help to look after someone who has a disability or long term illness
This may be a physical disability, learning disability like autism, mental health problems like depression or a drug or alcohol problem.
Young carers help out in lots of different ways, like doing the housework, getting the weekly shopping, keeping an eye on someone, helping them to wash and dress and cheering them up.
There are lots of ways you could be a young carer. Do you:
- look after others at home?
- help your parents get around, give them medicine or help them wash?
- help to keep someone company, and keep them safe?
- help with shopping or the housework because your parents can’t?
Do you ever feel like this?
- would you like to have your friends round or go out with them more?
- do you feel tired and find going to school and doing your homework difficult?
- do you feel different from your friends and worry about being bullied?
- would you like someone to talk to about your feelings?
- would you like to meet other young people who are like you?
‘I used to get bullied cos my brother, he has a disability, went to the same school. They didn’t even try to understand. They just assumed that I was a trouble maker.’
‘Sometimes I sit in class and worry so much about leaving my mum at home. I can’t tell anyone, they wouldn’t understand.’
The Oxford Young Carers Project could help you!
The Oxford Young Carers Project can help with…
- information and advice about how to get extra practical or financial help for you and your family
- getting extra support at school
- opportunities to meet other Young Carers in your area and make new friends!
- time out from caring, going on trips, youth groups and other fun activities!
- someone to talk to in confidence and support
- joining a group where you can talk to other young carers that understand what you’re going through.
Having someone in the family with a disability or illness may make it difficult for you to find time to relax and have fun. But, whatever you do as a young carer, you are a young person too.
The Oxford Young Carers Project is here to offer you extra help and support – and maybe – a little more fun!
How to contact us:
Connexions Personal Advisor for Young Carers
A Connexions Personal Adviser works within Oxfordshire County schools offering confidential information, advice and advocacy for young carers aged 13 and over. Contact through Oxford Carers’ Centre 01865 205192.
Printable page
