A Young Carer is someone under the age of eighteen who spends time looking after a member of their family.

The person they look after may have an illness, disability, drug/alcohol or mental health problem.

They may look after a parent or sibling and may be the main or secondary carer.

A Young carer may provide physical care, washing and other personal hygiene, giving medication, lifting, cooking, housework, shopping and budgeting.

They may also provide emotional care through support for depression.

Finally they may also have to do a lot for themselves and/or look after other brothers/sisters.

           Young carers on a day out

Who is a Young Carer?

Did you know?

* The average age of a young carer is only 12

* One third of young carers miss school or have educational problems

* There are almost as many boys caring as there are girls

* One third of young carers look after someone with mental health problems

* Moray young carers look after over 170 people in Moray, but there are many more young carers not yet on the register

* The Princess Royal Trust estimate around a third of young carers have experienced bullying