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Are you aged 12–18 and helping to look after someone with cancer? You may be a young carer.
As a young carer, you may do extra things that help your family; stuff that your friends may not do. These could include:
You may also do things for the person who has cancer such as helping them get dressed, giving them their medicines or changing their bandages. You may comfort them when they are upset, or be there to listen when they need to talk.
Being a young carer can affect your life in many ways. You may find that you can’t concentrate at school or college, that you don’t have as much time to study or that you struggle to keep up with your friends. Sometimes it can feel like being a carer has taken over your life.
You may also be worried about what’s happening at home. Perhaps you feel angry with the person you’re looking after, neglected, and even guilty for feeling that way.
We’ve created a handbook especially for young carers aged 12-18 which you can download, called Let’s talk about you [PDF, 4.71 MB]|. It’s based on the experiences of young people who have been there and covers some of the practical issues you might face when caring for someone with cancer.
It also gives information and advice on coping with feelings, looking after yourself, and where to find support. You can order a free printed copy of the booklet at be.macmillan.org.uk|
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has a website for young carers|. It includes an online community| for young carers to share experiences and to receive advice from qualified youth workers.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
Bupa have created a set of four illustrated booklets to help explain cancer to young people, in a clear and sensitive way.