A-Z
A
Anxiety
Anxiety is a particular problem among young carers – young carers might feel alone and fear being different. They might also worry about the cared-for family member.
Mental health support for adults and young people
Contact your GP or Mental Health Crisis team
Young Minds - Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope – Text YM to 85258 or call 0808 802 5544
Samaritans - You can access confidential emotional support at any time from Samaritans - call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Childline - free, private and confidential service that you can access online and on the phone - call 0800 1111
Kooth - offers 24/7 access to self-help materials and daily online counselling available
B
Bullying
Physical bullying, verbal bullying and psychological bullying (gossiping about or excluding people) are often mentioned as a concern for a young carer. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying or harassment using electronic means.
Support for bullying for young people
Kidscape -Help With Bullying (kidscape.org.uk) Advice and Support for Parents and Carers on Bullying – Call 07496 682785 or WhatsApp 07496 682785
Bullies Out – Online bullying and Mentoring Service for Young People – www.bulliesout.com
Anti-Bullying Alliance – www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
DTL is an international anti-bullying organisation based in Brighton, providing support to young people aged 12-25
National Bullying Helpline - In addition to the national support line, the service provides information, downloadable resources and help-guides to help manage bullying and the effects on mental health.
Behaviour
Young carers can feel that no one else can understand their experience. Frustration and anger can be a particular problem due to inability to take part in after school activities, sports and leisure activities and being tired and feeling isolated.
Support for behaviour issues in young people, for adults
Family Lives Parenting Advice and Support, live chat – 0808 8002222
The Challenging Behaviour Foundation – A family support service who can provide information and support for a child or young person with a severe learning disability – 0300 666 0126
Benefits
Being unaware of your entitlement to benefits is a common but avoidable cause of financial difficulty. Find out if you are entitled to benefits, and if so, how much you may be entitled to by accessing support from the following.
C
Cost of living crisis
The cost-of-living crisis is making life harder and harder for families, and that could make the job of caring for a family member even more difficult. There is help available, both from Honeypot via our Wellbeing Fund and other organisations and charities.
Family Action provides practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation
You can view government schemes and eligibility criteria at Help For Households
Barnardo's have a great break down of the different places you can get support during the crisis.
D
Divorce/Separation
Divorce and separation can be particularly hard for a young carer and can often be a time of high emotion and high conflict.
Divorce and separation support for families and young people
Gingerbread provide information to help single parents support themselves and their family – 0808 8020925
You can find arenting and family support from Family Lives (England and Wales) - 0808 8002222
Action for Children – Free 1:1 chat messaging service in Welsh or English
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse or domestic violence takes many forms: physical, emotional, economic, stalking, harassment and sexual and can happen to anyone.
Domestic abuse support for families and young people
Refuge - 0808 2000247
Womens Aid provides help to support and protect those affected by domestic violence, they have over 350 accessible domestic and sexual violence services across the country. The Hide Out is a space created by Women’s Aid, which provides a host of videos stories, activities and education resources to help children and young people understand domestic abuse and keep safe if they are affected.
Live Fear Free (Wales) 0808 8010800 info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
Depression
Stress and depression can affect anyone, and the responsibilities of being a young carer can make children more susceptible, particularly if they are isolated or cut off from others socially.
Mental health support for adults and young people
Contact your GP or Mental Health Crisis team
Young Minds - Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope – Text YM to 85258 or call 0808 802 5544
Samaritans - You can access confidential emotional support at any time from Samaritans - call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Childline - free, private and confidential service that you can access online and on the phone - call 0800 1111
Kooth - offers 24/7 access to self-help materials and daily online counselling available
G
General Advice
The Booklet for Young Carers has been developed for young carers by young carers.
Young Carers | Young Scot is Scotland's national youth information service. Visit the website for stories from other young people on their experience of being a carer and find out about the Young Carers Package
Meic is the helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales. Freephone: 0808 80 23456 or visit the website for other ways to get in touch.
H
Healthy Eating
Eating a well-balanced nutritious diet helps to ensure children get the right vitamins to support growth and development. They are also more likely to feel energised and motivated which will support their ability to learn.
Healthy eating ideas and support for families and young people
Eat yourself healthy - BBC Bitesize
Recipes for kids recipes - BBC Food
I
Internet Safety
With so many websites and apps targeting children online it’s a great idea to find out how you can stay safe online.
Online safety support for families and young people
The UK Safer Internet Centre has online safety tips, advice, and resources.
If you are worried or concerned about the way someone has been communicating with you or your child online you can report it at CEOP
S
Schools – Moving Up To High School
Moving from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time of life, but for many children it can also be a daunting prospect. Preparing for the change and learning how to cope with it will help them with this transition and prepare them for many other changes and challenges they will face in life.
School transition support for families and young people
Supporting school transitions | Resources | YoungMinds
Pupil-resource.pdf (youngminds.org.uk)
Starting secondary school - BBC Bitesize
Starting or switching school (autism.org.uk)
W
Wellbeing Fund
Here at Honeypot, we provide young carers from financially disadvantaged homes with small grants to help overcome social isolation, access, and achieve in education, support emotional wellbeing and mental health, and obtain household essentials