If you are a professional working with children and families – you might be a teacher, education welfare officer, a GP or  health visitor, family support worker or social worker – and feel that one of your clients or students would benefit from our services, please contact us or download a referral form now.

Westminster Young Carers Service works with young people between the ages of 7-18 who care for family members with mental and physical health concerns, disabilities and substance abuse problems. We currently support around 100 young people who have extra responsibilities because of their role as a carer.

The caring they provide may involve physical care, such as helping someone get up, get dressed or to get around. It could also involve providing emotional support, helping with translation, household chores and shopping.  Many young carers are also responsible for getting their siblings to school in the mornings. We offer them help and advice, advocacy and a variety of activities during school holidays to enable them to meet other young carers and have some time for themselves.

Because of their extra responsibilities young carers are at risk of social isolation and bullying, under-achievement, absenteeism from school, and physical and mental ill health. It is vital that we support young carers and their families to enable the young person  to continue in their caring role and maintain their own mental and physical health.