A question from a young carer?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

In the UK there are Carers Associations that can advise and support you.
I have included links below - the first link should be especially helpful.
At the Community Mental Health Team where I work it is standard to ask about the main Carer and to asses their needs. Is your Mum receiving a service from the Mental Health Services? If so you could contact them in the first instance.
Let me know if you need any further advice!

http://www.carersuk.org/Information/Help…
http://www.carersuk.org/Home
http://www.carerssupportservice.org.uk/p…
http://www.journeysonline.org.uk/
http://www.mentalhealthcare.org.uk/suppo…
http://www.rethink.org/living_with_menta…
http://www.rethink.org/how_we_can_help/o…
http://www.carers.org/help-directory/key…

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Hi magicbean!

Sounds as though you have a lot to be thinking about at the moment and it's great that people have given you some brilliant information and advice so far.

There is some really useful information out there and some organisations in the UK which can help (as Simon mentioned in his previous reply). I'm web manager at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and so I ran your question past our Online Support Team -– and we have a few suggestions that we thought you might find helpful.

Our website www.carers.org has info on all kinds of things that you might find useful, but have a look here for information and money and benefits: http://www.carers.org/money-benefits

The following sites also have some really useful information on how to apply for Housing Benefit and any other benefits you might be entitled to:

http://www.thesite.org/homelawandmoney

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/index.htm

Being a young adult carer can be very stressful, especially if you are trying to juggle your caring responsibilities with studying, working and having a social life.

You might also find it helpful to join an online community as this can be a great way to get to know other carers and to share experiences. Our discussion boards are at http://www.carers.org/forums. Many of our members have had similar issues and will no doubt have lots more useful advice to offer you!

Recently we’ve also started running regular online YAC (young adult carer) chats where you can drop by to chat to other carers and our team.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your studies.

Carers.org Team