Young carers

Young carers are children and young people who care for a relative at home who is unwell, has a disability, has mental health problems or who has alcohol/drug problems. Their day to day life responsibilities often include cooking, cleaning, shopping, ensuring safety, assessing and dealing with moods/behaviours, providing medical and personal care as well as providing emotional support. With so many adult responsibilities young carers can often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. They can become isolated, with little/no relief from the pressures at home.

If you live in the Northern Trust area, Barnardo’s NI Young Carer’s Service provides a listening ear and much needed time out for these children and young people.

They can talk to their project worker as well as meet with other young carers in a structured or fun environment within their community to lessen the feelings of loneliness and to ultimately support them in reaching their full potential