Young carers
There are over 2,000 people aged under 18 years of age who are 'young carers' in Staffordshire.
Young carers provide care, assistance or support to another family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, or has a substance misuse problem.
Young carers can carry out significant or substantial caring tasks, taking on a level of responsibility that is above what should be expected from a young person.
As well as the daily tasks, such as housework, cooking and bathing, young carers live with the added pressure of school. Caring can be satisfying but it can also be exhausting and make great demands on a young person's time, health and emotions.
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We offer young carers practical and emotional support to provide opportunities to enjoy and achieve, just like friends and other children and young people of a similar age.
Following a young carer's assessment, our Staffordshire Together for Carers Service will provide:
- information, advice and guidance around every part of the caring role
- someone to listen to worries and try and help
- sport/crafts/games/special school holiday activities
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If you live in Staffordshire or care for someone who lives in Staffordshire there is support available to you.
You can contact the County Council for information, advice and support related to your caring role. Young Carers have their own dedicated telephone number should they wish to speak to a Young Carers Assessor. Your Young Carers Assessor will be able to offer you practical advice, guidance and signposting to other relevant services, as well as working with you to develop a support plan and completing a statutory carers assessment.
Young Carers: 01785 278 444
General Enquiries: firstcontactcarers@staffordshire.gov.uk
In addition there is support for you at
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Who Should Use This Form:
- Children's Services
- Schools
- Adult Social Care
- Carers Groups
- GP Practices
- District Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Police
- Fire Service
- Organizations like Age UK and Dementia Support Groups
- Local Councils (including Housing Teams, Drug and Alcohol Support, and Homelessness Services)
Important Note:
This form does not change the process for reporting safeguarding concerns. For safeguarding issues, please continue to call 0300 111 8007.
Opening Times:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Out of Hours:
For assistance outside these hours, including weekends and bank holidays, please contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0345 604 2886.
To make a professional referral, use the link below
Refer a young carer
Further information
- Carers UK
- Childline - a counselling service for children and young people. No problem is too big or too small, so whether you are feeling scared or out of control or just want to talk to someone, phone: 0800 1111.
- Counselling directory - support for young carers