Supporting young adult carers find the right balance between caring and their own needs.
Are you aged 16-25, and looking after a family member, friend or relative who needs help because of their illness, disability, mental health problem or substance use problem? Would they struggle to cope without your help?
Caring for someone special can be rewarding. It can also be stressful, tiring and lonely. You might be looking after a parent and have responsibility for younger siblings. Everyone’s caring situation is different.
As a young adult carer, you might struggle to find time for yourself because of your caring responsibilities. This can have a big impact on your mental health and life chances.
We can help you in your caring role with practical advice, support you to maintain your own health and wellbeing and help you find the right balance between your caring role and your own life.
We also support young adult carers in the City of London and Lewisham
What support will I receive?
By providing emotional and practical support and information we can help ease the stress you may feel, help you to be better equipped to do your caring role and enable you to access other opportunities.
This support includes:
Assessing your needs
ensuring we identify what kind of help you need and working with you to create a personal support plan.
Building your social networks
connecting you with other young adult carers, to share experiences and build friendships.
Having respite from your caring role
helping you find and take up opportunities to give you a break from caring.
Access to financial support and advice
helping you manage money, budget and claim any benefits you might be entitled to.
Training and skills opportunities
helping you participate in further training and education, develop your skills, get into work and volunteer in your local community.
Coping with your feelings and stress
providing one-to-one support to share your feelings, develop coping strategies and signpost you to specialist support.
Managing your contacts with others
being your advocate when you deal with other organisations and professionals.
Imago Hub
Our friendly Hub team will guide you through support available in your local area and refer you to our young adult carer support coordinators. The Hub is available for you to call Monday–Friday, 9am-5pm.
Planning for your future
We can support you to apply for jobs or college, make sure your CV is up to date, get advice from our business partners and find volunteering places to broaden your experience.
Activities and groups
You can take a break from caring by joining one of our regular groups and take part in our programme of events and activities, including beach outings, creative workshops, bowling, laser tag and more!
Having support has made such a difference—I feel less alone, more confident, and better able to manage my caring role while still focusing on my own future.
David, Young adult carer
Our funding partners
