Edinburgh Young Carers

Edinburgh Young Carers works with young people aged 5 to 25 years old who care for or are affected by someone else at home - usually a parent or sibling. The person they care for may suffer from:

•mental health problems
•disability
•chronic ill-health
•drug and alcohol misuse

The type of caring responsibilities a young person has, will vary depending on the needs and circumstances of the person

they care for. Unfortunately, most young carers go unnoticed or unrecognised, until there is a crisis. What is the impact of being a young carer?

•Emotional wellbeing: Putting other people’s needs first, being worried, anxious or stressed. Having feelings of guilt, anger, being trapped, isolated and being misunderstood.

•Physical wellbeing: Suffering from pains or strains from heavy lifting or helping someone to wash or dress, or feeling unwell.

•Social skills: Little or no free time to meet up with friends. Feeling isolated and lacking confidence.

•Schooling: Difficulties concentrating in class, feeling tired throughout the day, worrying about the cared for person whilst at school, little time to do homework. Regularly absent from or late for school

•Financial wellness: Some families may have a low income.