Caring for someone you love can be rewarding, but it’s a tough job. The average age for a young carer is just 12 years old.
Young carers often put aside their own needs so they can provide support and care for someone close to them. The Isle of Wight Young Carers Support Service helps these incredible young people navigate their way through this important stage in their lives.
What is a young carer?
Young carers are responsible for the care of a family member who may have a disability, long term illness, mental health issues and drug or alcohol related problems.
Aged under 18, young carers often have to juggle education, social life and time to relax with responsibilities around the home such as shopping, housework, helping with personal care, administering medicines and looking after siblings.
Support service
The Isle of Wight Young Carers Service is now provided by Barnardos. If you are a young carer or have a young carer in your family and would like support, please use the link www.isleofwightfamilycentres.org.uk/family-support.
If you are a professional supporting a young carer and want to refer into the service, please use the link www.isleofwightfamilycentres.org.uk/young-carers-professionals.
Any telephone enquiries can be made to the Barnardos Family Office in Ryde on 01983 617617.
More information about the service is available at Isle of Wight Young Carers Early Help Family Support | Barnardo’s (barnardos.org.uk)
Young carer & need support?
If you think you might be a young carer or if you’re a parent with a young person who may need support, please go to the Bernardos Isle of Wight Family Centres website and click on ‘referral’ to complete a form.
Someone from Bernardos will be in contact to assess the level of support that your child needs based on your individual family’s situation.