A Young Carer is a child or young adult who spends time looking after or helping a member of their family who is unable to take care of everyday tasks themselves without some help, this may be due to illness, disability, mental health problems or drug and alcohol issues.

Most Young Carers look after one of their parents or care for a brother or sister. The help Young Carers may give could include household tasks such as shopping, making meals, doing the laundry, or perhaps helping out with nursing care, such as helping with mobility, medication and dressing. Young Carers may also give their time to be with someone when they need company. Some children give a lot of physical help to a brother or sister who has additional needs, is disabled or ill. Along with the things to help their brother and sister, they may also be giving emotional support to both their sibling and parents.

Young Carers are a very hidden group and there is a danger of these young people experiencing negative impacts on their education, health and development as a result of their caring responsibilies at home.