Young adult carers
Young adult carers are aged from 16 to 25. The person they care for may be a parent, sibling, grandparent or other relative or friend who:
- has a physical or learning disability
- suffers from mental ill health
- misuses drugs or alcohol
- is affected by another long-term illness or condition
The needs of young adult carers can be different from young carers or adult carers. This is because a young adult carer may be in a time of transition such as leaving home, going to University or starting work.
It can be difficult to juggle all the things they want to do and continue caring.
Swindon Carers Centre can help by:
- offering mutual support and social activities with other young adult carers
- providing a face-to-face carer's assessment and emotional and practical support where appropriate or required
- directing you to specialist benefit advice checks for carers in Swindon, making sure that you and the person you care for are getting the benefits you’re entitled to
- providing access to education, employment, leisure and learning opportunities
When you are 18 you are legally entitled to a carer's assessment (if you care for someone who is over 18). The assessment is not to judge you on your caring abilities, but to recognise the work you do and offer you the right support.