Helping Young Carers

Young Carers are children and young people aged 18 and younger who are caring for or helping to support a family member who is ill or has a disability. In some cases there may be a family member who is dealing with an alcohol or drug problem. Young carers may be helping with shopping, laundry or simply helping someone to get about.

These young carers sometimes miss out on opportunities that other young people have, because they feel responsible for someone else and don’t want to leave them on their own. They may find it difficult to concentrate in school or find time to spend with their friends.

Here are some organisations that can help:

Name of Group	Contact Person	Telephone	Meetings
174 Trust Young Carers Activity Project, Belfast www.174trust.org	Linda Duffy 9-13 year olds Fiona Storer 13-21 year olds Duncairn Complex Duncairn Ave Belfast BT14 6BP	90747114   90747114	Monthly   Weekly
Action for Children Young Carers Project Belfast www.actionforchildren.org.uk	Julia McKeown Loughshore House 10 Heron Rd Belfast BT3 9LE	90460500	Various
Crossroads  Young Carers Project Belfast www.crossroads.org.uk www.youngcarers.net	Gail Hayes 7 Regent St Newtownards BT23 4AB	91814363	Monthly

Contents

• Children's Services
• Adult Services
• Older People's Services
• Disability Services
• Mental Health Services
• Carers Information
  • Am I a carer?
  • Carer’s Needs Assessments
  • Support For Adult Carers
  • Helping Young Carers
  • Caring For Yourself
  • Where To Go For Help
  • Development of Carer Support