In many professions and jobs you may come into contact with young carers on a regular basis.  You might be a social worker, a GP, a counsellor, pharmacist, shopkeeper or youth worker.  Of course, you also might know a young carer through family or friends.

If you do recognise a young carer, it is easy to help get them the support that they might need.  You can refer them into the Barnet Young Carers programme using our easy online form, or you can signpost them or a parent to our services where they can refer themselves.

How can I identify a young carer?

This is a good question as we know that young carers do not wear a badge and often do not readily identify themselves.  But there could be signs.  They may:

• be anxious or worried about a relative;
• be secretive about their home life;
• appear isolated and without friends.

You can download our Young Carer Checklist here.

How can I find out more about young carers?

As a society, we are not very good at identifying young carers.  Many remain invisible and do not get the support they need.  But the more adults know about young carers, the fantastic job that they do, the help that they might need and the services that are available to them, the more likely we are to celebrate and support these young people.

You can download our Young Carers factsheet here.