Support for Young Adult Carers
At Carers Link Lancashire we support Young Carers with their transition to being an Adult Carer at 18 years of age.
The term young adult carer is used to refer to someone aged 18 – 25 who is looking after a friend or family member due to ill physical or mental health, a disability, or other reasons such as addiction.
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There are at least 376,000 young adult carers in the UK.
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They are likely to be in every school, college, university and workplace.
If you are reading this and are under the age of 18, head to our young carers page.
Changes you may need support with
Young Adult Carers may face a lot of changes during this period of their lives. This may include:
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First jobs
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Going to college/university
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Changing relationships
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Thinking about moving out of home
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Differences in the services you may be offered
A 'transition' assessment
The Care Act 2014 says that all young carers are entitled to a transition assessment if it seems likely that they will have a need for support after they turn 18 and if there will be a ‘significant benefit’ to them from having one. It is likely that you will be asked whether you want a transition assessment at some point between the ages of 14 and 17. The local authority has a duty to do the assessment at a time when you are ready to have it and will get a lot out of it. It should also be in plenty of time for any support plans to be implemented before you turn 18.
The term ‘assessment’ can make you think of it as an exam that you need to prepare for, but it isn’t like that at all. It is not in any way a test of you or the care that you provide and you cannot pass or fail it. You don’t need to revise anything or do any preparation if you do not wish to.
But if you want to feel a bit more ready and in control, it can sometimes help to make some notes about a few things beforehand. You might find it helpful to think about the future, what your hopes and aspirations are, and whether caring features in that picture or not. You might also want to think in advance about any questions you want to ask, so you don’t forget them at the time.
(carersfirst.org.uk)
If you are registered as a Young Carer with us
If you are registered as a young carer with Carers Link Lancashire, you can always speak to our Young Carers Team with any questions or concerns you may have in the lead up to turning 18.
If you are a young carer registered with Barnardo's (for young carers in Pendle, Rossendale and Burnley), and will be needing to register as an adult carer with us, you can speak to Barnardo's about this transition, self-refer online via our website once you have turned 18, or can call us for more guidance.