Young Carers Manchester
The definition of a Young Carer is taken from section 96 of the Children and Families Act 2014:
“…a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person (of any age, except where that care is provided for payment, pursuant to a contract or as voluntary work).”
In Manchester we recognise that the impact on children and young people may be related to additional duties such as housework, shopping and caring for siblings rather than actual caring duties. Therefore, our definition includes a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person (of any age, except where that care is provided for payment, pursuant to a contract or as voluntary work). This relates to care or additional duties related to having a family member who has a physical disability, mental health needs or learning disability, or who is affected by drug, alcohol, or other substance misuse.
If you are a young carer, we want you to know that you are not alone and that we are working very hard as a partnership to make sure more people are young carer aware, can help you get support if you need it, and connect you to lots of amazing opportunities.
You have a lot to be proud of, if you want to know more about what it means to be a young carer and what support is available look at our young carer guides to support – you can find them here:
Young Carers Guide to Support age 5-11
Young Carers Guide to Support age 11+
We know that all young carers are different, so we have made sure that the support you are entitled to is unique to you, your interests, ambitions, and aspirations!
We have so many wonderful opportunities for you, to find out more visit Manchester Young Carers.
Young Carers – Information for Professionals
We all have a responsibility for ensuring young carers in Manchester are providing a level of care that is appropriate; know what their rights are; and are not spending so much time caring for someone else that it impacts on their education or work, having no time to see friends and relax.
If you are a school, organisation or other setting and you would like to know more about the young carers assessment and pathway to support then please contact our Young Carers Coordinator: kelly.hockaday@manchester.gov.uk.
Please do not send referrals to this email address, if you have identified a young carer and believe that there is a need for support please follow the young carers pathway or contact your Early Help Hub.
- Manchester Carers Centre provide a range of services for 16 – 25 year old Young Adult Carers
- Manchester City Council has lots of information, advice and pathways to support or to explore all of the amazing opportunities and work taking place with and for young carers in Manchester.
- The Carers’ Trust has also partnered with The Children’s Society to provide valuable insights into supporting young carers in schools. You can watch their short you tube video here.
- The Children’s Society has information on supporting young carers including the Young Carers in Schools Award.
- Download our toolkit for teachers, youth workers and health professionals.