Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
Young carers
Young Carers provide vital support to family members with illness, disability, or addiction. Find information, advice, and links to local and national services.
A young carer is a young person who takes on important caring responsibilities for a family member or relative with a:
- disability
- illness
- mental health condition
- addiction
- other care needs
The role of a young carer can vary widely depending on the needs of the person they care for and the dynamics of their family.
What young carers do
Young carers may be responsible for tasks such as:
- helping with personal care
- giving medication
- helping with jobs around the home
- providing emotional support
- managing appointments or medical needs
The care can be both physical and emotional. Young carers’ responsibilities can be great and can impact on their daily lives/routines.
The impact of being a young carer
Young carers often face challenges and experiences compared to their peers, including:
- balancing their caring with schoolwork, social activities, and personal development
- the stress and responsibilities of caring
Despite their challenges, they show amazing resilience, empathy, and maturity. They take on these responsibilities out of love and a sense of family duty.
Providing support and resources for young carers, such as:
- respite care
- counselling services
- educational support
These can be crucial in helping them manage their caring roles while also allowing them to have a fulfilling childhood and future.
Support for young carers
Our Partnership has joined together with Carers Support Cumbria to support young carers in the local area. We have information on:
- contact details for Carers Support Cumbria
- how to get at a carers assessment
- how to get support and where from
- respite care
Support for young carers and young adult carers
Other help and support
Barnardo's - Support for Young Carers