Young carers

Young carers are children and young people under 18 years old whose lives are affected by caring for a relative. The relative may have a physical or learning disability, a long term illness, a terminal condition, mental illness, or difficulties with drug or alcohol use.

Young carers may feel good about the help that they give and be proud of the skills they have. However caring may also impact on:

Their attendance at school or college
Completing homework and gaining qualifications
Taking part in after school clubs, school trips or residential opportunities
Enjoying time with friends or doing hobbies
Their own mental health and emotional wellbeing

Children should not undertake inappropriate or excessive caring roles that have an impact on their development and wellbeing. Updated legislation in The Care Act 2014 (Department of Health) and The Children and Families Act 2014 (Department for Education) requires local authorities to assess the child’s needs in the context of a whole family assessment from April 2015.

Make a referral

All young carers have the right to a young carer assessment. Please complete either the self-referral or professional referral form if you or a young carer you have identified would like:

A young carer assessment
To attend the young carer safe space
To receive a young carer card

Make a self-referral

An assessment can help work out what support you and your family may need.

Before you complete the form

You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself 5-10 minutes to fill in the form.

To receive a young carer card you will need to upload a photo for the card

Submit a young carer self-referral

Make a professional referral

Please complete the professional referral if you have identified a young carer who would like a young carer assessment.

Before you complete the form

You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself 5-10 minutes to fill in the form.

Please ensure you have consent from their parent/guardian before starting the referral.

Submit a young carer professional referral

Support available

The child’s school and GP should be informed that the child is a young carer, so that they are aware of the possible impact on the child. The Young Cares Service provide a range of services:

Regular drop in sessions
Activities and outings to give a break from caring responsibilities
Young Carer Assessments
Young Carers Card
Work with schools on how to support Young Carers and their families
Signposting to other support services
Support a young carer’s transition to being an adult carer

Find out more about the service by contacting us email youngcarers@southampton.gov.uk or phone 023 8083 2098

Make a referral

Make a self-referral

Before you complete the form

Make a professional referral

Before you complete the form

Support available

See also