Support for Young Adult Carers
Who are young adult carers?
If you're aged 16 to 25 and help look after someone close to you, like a parent, sibling, or friend,you might be a young adult carer.
You could be supporting someone who:
- Has a long-term illness or disability
- Is living with a mental health condition
- Struggles with addiction or substance use
- Is older and needs help with everyday tasks
You might help with:
- Day-to-day jobs like cooking, cleaning, shopping, or managing money
- Personal care like helping someone wash, get dressed, or take medication
- Emotional support—just being there when they need you
We understand it isn't always easy
Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be tough. You might:
- Miss out on school, college, or work
- Feel stressed, tired, or alone
- Find it hard to make time for yourself or your future plans
We know these challenges are real. That’s why there’s support available to help you look after yourself while you support someone else.
Where to find support
Being a young adult carer can be tough—but you don’t have to do it alone. These services are here to help you look after yourself, stay connected, and plan for your future.
BCP Carer Support
We are here for you. You can register with BCP Carer Support to get:
- Local events and meetups
- Newsletters and updates
- Help with emergency planning, wellbeing, and more
You’ll be part of a community that understands what you’re going through and can offer practical and emotional support.
Kooth
Kooth is a free online platform where you can:
- Chat anonymously with trained counsellors
- Read articles and personal stories
- Join discussion boards with other young people
It’s a safe space to talk about how you’re feeling, especially if you’re stressed, anxious, or just need someone to listen.
💻 Visit Kooth
Up in BCP
Up in BCP is a service for young people in BCP aged 12-19 (or up to 25 if you have a special educational need or disability). Their youth-focused website includes:
- Wellbeing tips and advice
- Information on education, jobs, and housing
- Local events and opportunities
It’s made for young people in BCP and helps you stay informed, inspired, and connected.
💻 Visit Up in BCP
MYTIME Young Carers – Employability Programme
This programme is for carers aged 14-25. It helps you build confidence and skills for work and life. You can:
- Get support with CVs and job applications
- Take part in workshops and training
- Meet other young carers and share experiences
t’s designed to help you feel more confident about your goals and your future.
✏️ Learn more about MYTIME Young Carers – Employability Programme
Leonardo Carer Support
Leonardo Carer Support is a charity that supports carers of all ages in Dorset. They offer:
- Information and advice
- Financial help
- Wellbeing and support services
✏️ Learn more about Leonardo Carer Support