WHAT IS A YOUNG CARER?

Young Carers are kids under the age of 18 who are in a caregiving role for a parent, grandparent, sibling, or relative with a chronic or life-threatening illness, disability, addiction, mental illness, or language barrier. YCP aims to provide therapeutic and recreational programming to help children and youth with caregiving responsibilities cope and interact with other young people who have similar experiences.

IDENTIFYING A YOUNG CARER

Many Young Carers don’t know they are one, or may be keeping their role hidden because they feel different from their peers. It could be a friend, a student, or even you! Young Carers may be experiencing anxiousness, stress, exhaustion, socially isolation, absence or underachievement in school. They may also display several strengths including maturity, independence, compassion and leadership. 

IF YOU ARE A YOUNG CARER, OR THINK YOU KNOW ONE…

WHAT DO YOUNG CARERS DO?

Practical Care

  • Household care
  • Cook
  • Clean
  • Laundry
  • Babysit
  • Budget
  • Translate

Personal Care

  • Bath
  • Dress
  • Feed
  • Give medications
  • Help with mobility
  • Toilet

Emotional Care

  • Encourage
  • Cheer up
  • Be the ‘strong one’
  • Build self-confidence

20% of children and youth 
are Young Carers

DR. GRANT CHARLES, UBC

THAT’S OVER 700,000 KIDS, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!