Health, wellbeing and activities for young carers
Being a young carer can sometimes feel lonely. You might miss out on spending time with friends or doing activities you enjoy. But you are not on your own. With the right support, young carers can stay healthy, enjoy their childhood and have the same chances as everyone else.
Where you can get support
Organisations and services that can help and support young carers.
Carers Bucks supports unpaid carers and young carers in Buckinghamshire. They provide:
- information and advice
- life skills sessions
- social activities and a chance to meet other young and young adult carers across the county
Their website has a wide range of resources available to carers of all ages, including ways to look after your wellbeing.
You can contact them by phone, email, or online form.
Care Advice Buckinghamshire provides information and advice on care and support services in Buckinghamshire.
You can find information on topics such as health and wellbeing, education and training, money and benefits, and carers’ rights.
You can also search for local services and organisations that can help you with your caring role.
Buckinghamshire Family Information Service provides information, support, childcare, and things to do for families, children and young people up to 19 years (25 years with a disability/additional need).
You can access information on a range of topics relating to family life, including the Local Offer for SEND.
You can also search for activities and organisations near you on their Family Services Directory.
Action for Children helps young carers come to terms with their parents or other family members’ illness or condition. They teach you how to cope and guide you to build positive relationships outside the family.
The NHS offers guidance and help for young carers.
MYTIME Young Carers is a UK-based charity that exists to support young carers aged between 5 and 25.
Youth Clubs
Youth clubs are fun places where you can hang out, join activities and meet other young people.
Young Carers Bucks runs regular youth clubs for young carers aged 5 to 16 in different locations across Buckinghamshire. These are safe and fun spaces where you can meet other young carers, enjoy activities, and get support from staff and volunteers.
You can find out more about the youth clubs and how to join them on their website.
Young Adult Carers Bucks is a support service for young carers aged between 16 and 25.
YC2 aims to provide services that improve the quality of life and opportunities for young carers in Buckingham and the local area, by offering a solid network for fun, friendship, emotional support, advice and personal development.
Mental Health Support
If you are struggling with your mental health, there's plenty of help out there to support you. Our information page includes details on:
- face-to-face support
- support online or over the phone
- looking after your wellbeing
Our courses and youth drop-ins offer help and support for young people at different locations across Buckinghamshire.
Kooth is a free online service that helps with your mental wellbeing. It has games, activities, podcasts and short videos to help you understand your feelings.
Young Minds offers mental health tips for young people who are carers, with advice on how to spot if it is getting too much for you, and who can help.
Anna Freud Mentally Healthy Schools advise that it is important that all staff members are aware of students with caring roles so that a whole-school approach to support and understanding is used.
The Children's Society has mental health information and activities to help young people understand more about what they may be experiencing.