How do i identify a young carer?

There are a number of signs to look out for that could suggest a Young Person has caring responsibilites.  They may:

• Show anxiety or concern over an ill or disabled relative and need to be in constant touch with home.
• Often be late or miss days or weeks off from school or youth groups for no apparent reason.
• Be very secretive about their home life.
• Often be tired, withdrawn or stressed.
• Suffer from back pain due to lifting heavy loads.
• Have behaviour problems.
• Take on a caring role with younger children and in contrast may be confident with adults.
• Be isolated or a victim of bullying, either because of the situation in the family, or because they lack social skills when they are around their peers.

young people shouldn't have to choose between being carers and being children