We support children aged 6 - 18 who are caring for a family member with a long term illness, disability or substance misuse problem.  For example, the child might be helping a parent with a physical disability, or emotionally supporting a parent with a mental illness.  They might have to fend for themselves much of the time due to parental drug or alcohol addiction.  They might be helping parents to cope with a sibling with challenging behaviour and/or a learning disability.

With all of these conditions, Young Carers must learn to deal with the stigma, restrictions, and often lowered self-esteem caused by living in a family where someone else necessarily receives most of the attention.  In many cases they must take on adult responsibilities at a very young age.

South Bucks Contact: Sarah Beavis Tel No. 01494 463536                                                  Email sarah.beavis@carersbucks.org

Connexions Personnel: Lynne de Looze, based in Aylesbury, Sarah Collin based in High Wycombe

lynne.delooze@carersbucks.org, Tel No. 01296 392711

sarah.collin@carersbucks.org, Tel No. 01494 463536