Supporting Young Carers
Young carers are children and young people who look after someone at home because they are unable to manage on their own.
A young carer might help a parent move around or take medicine, cook and clean, pay bills, or dress a younger brother or sister. Being a young carer can also mean providing emotional support to others. Sometimes it gets in the way of going to school, having hobbies, or seeing friends.
How we support young carers and their families
Carers MK run support groups for Young Carers. You can find information on their website Carers MK | Dedicated to supporting carers - Carers MK (carersmiltonkeynes.org)
If you’re a young carer, you may be entitled to extra support like money or other kinds of help. To find out, we need you to complete what’s called an Early Help Assessment Form.
If you need help filling this out and already have a social worker, they can help.
If you don’t have one, please get in touch with us by emailing eha@milton-keynes.gov.uk or calling 01908 253169. We may need permission from your parent or caregiver to help.
What happens after that?
We’ll be in touch as soon as we can. We will talk to you and members of the family as part of our assessment to look at how best we can help you. We’ll make sure you and your family are safe.
If we find we can arrange extra help, we’ll:
- Make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.
- Keep your name and details on file, with your parent/caregiver’s permission.
- Put you in touch with Young Carers MK.
Young Carers MK will ask you and your parent/caregiver some questions, probably in person, so they can see how best to help.
Are you worried about a young carer?
Each young carer is unique, but you may find someone is struggling if they are:
- Anxious about a relative, perhaps needing to stay in regular contact with them
- Regularly late or missing school
- Secretive about their home life
- Often tired, distracted or withdrawn, possibly isolated from others (or, particularly confident with adults / willing to take on caring roles)
- Making outbursts or amplified responses
If you have a concern please contact Milton Keynes Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01908 253169