Young Carers

This section outlines the work that Children in Wales does in relation to Young Carers

Enquiries concerning this work should be directed to:

Lynne Hill
Policy Director
Tel 029 2034 2434

"A young carer takes responsibility for someone who is ill, disabled, elderly, experiencing mental distress or affected by substance use, or has substantial responsibility for caring for a sibling. Those they care for are usually parents or brothers and sisters. A young carer could be from any family and is under 18. They may be providing all of the care or helping someone else provide care. The care they provide is not only the things you see-like changing bandages, cooking, cleaning or helping someone to use the toilet or have a wash - but also things you can’t see, such as how the young carer feels or think because of their caring role."

This definition was developed by a group of young carers, who were part of the Young Carers Advisory Panel.

Children in Wales work to Support Young Carers includes:

Young Carers Network

Children in Wales supports the development of services and support for young carers by facilitating this network.

Carers Strategy Review Panel

The Welsh Assembly Government facilitates the Carers Strategy Review Panel whose remit is to oversee the development of services to carers. Children in Wales represents Young Carers issues in this meeting. Young carers attend the meeting on an annual basis to present their own issues to the panel.