I have concerns

"As a friend or family member, I have concerns about the welfare of a Young Carer":

It is important not to assume that a caring role is automatically damaging to a child or young person. However, an inappropriate or extensive role can be. It may also happen that a Young Carer is under too much pressure or not getting appropriate care themselves.

Unless you think there is an immediate and serious risk to the young person, try talking to their parent(s). Be very sensitive and think through what you want to say. Choose your moment and try to make sure they realise you are talking as someone who cares and wants to help.

If this does not help, you can talk to Social Services. If the person who has an illness or disability already has a social worker and you know who they are, you could try talking to them. If they do not already have a social worker and you still have serious concerns for the welfare of the Young Carer, you should contact Children's Services. It would be best if you told the family this first and gave them a chance to seek help for themselves. However, if you feel unable to do this, or they do not seek help soon, you must still contact Children's Services. Their job is to work with the family to look at the child or young person’s needs and arrange the correct sort of support which is going to help them as a family.

If you have reason to believe that a child or young person is in immediate or serious risk you should always contact Children's Services. The telephone number for the Duty and Assessment Service is 0207 641 7560.

Information for family and friends

If you know someone who may be a young carer and would like further information see the links below (these are the same as the menu on the left).

who is a young carer?
the caring role
how can i help?
who else can help?
I have concerns

Information for professionals and paid workers

If you are a teacher, youth or community worker, a Care Manager etc. please go to the professionals section of this website:
Information for professionals/paid workers (on Young Carers) [coming soon]