The Young Carers project supports young people who take on extra caring responsibilities at home. While taking on responsibilities is a common part of life in a home, these responsibilities can often impact other areas of your life including schoolwork, time with friends, extra-curricular activities and hobbies.
A young carer is a child or young person under the age of 24, whose life has been affected by providing significant care, assistance, or support to a relative at home. The Young Carers’ Project recognises the vital role that young people undertake on a daily basis providing care for someone else. Our project has been set up to support young people in this situation to support your well-being.
Why We Exist
Taking on responsibilities at home is normal, but for young carers, these duties can affect schoolwork, friendships, hobbies, and overall well-being. Our project exists to:
-
Acknowledge and support young carers in their daily roles.
-
Provide assistance to ensure they can still participate in school, social activities, and personal development.
-
Offer resources to help them stay safe, healthy, and well-balanced.
How Do I Know If I’m a Young Carer?
A young carer is a child or young person who provides significant care, assistance, or support to a relative at home. You may be a young carer if you:
-
Help with practical tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or managing the household.
-
Provide physical care or personal assistance to a family member.
-
Administer or manage medications for a loved one.
-
Look after younger siblings while also managing other responsibilities.
-
Offer emotional support to a family member who is struggling.
-
Act as an interpreter for a parent due to a language barrier, hearing, or speech impairment.
Do you miss out on activities after school or in your free time because of your responsibilities at home? Do you worry about things at home while you are at school?
If your answer is yes, you may be a young carer, and we are here to help.
Accessing The Project
Parents and professionals working with young people who are carers can get in touch with the Donegal Youth Service team to find out about our referral pathways. The Young Carers Project operates a monthly group at the LOFT Youth Project in Donegal Youth Service Headquarters.
What We Do – Young Carer Supports Available
Donegal Youth Service’s Young Carers Project provides:
-
Individual needs assessments and support plans tailored for each young carer.
-
One-to-one support to talk through challenges and find solutions.
-
A young carers' peer activity group to connect with others who understand.
-
Respite and fun activities to take a break and relax.
-
School support to help manage education alongside caregiving responsibilities.
-
Training programmes to promote safety, well-being, and self-care.
What We Do – Young Carer Supports Available
Donegal Youth Service’s Young Carers Project provides:
-
Individual needs assessments and support plans tailored for each young carer.
-
One-to-one support to talk through challenges and find solutions.
-
A young carers' peer activity group to connect with others who understand.
-
Respite and fun activities to take a break and relax.
-
School support to help manage education alongside caregiving responsibilities.
-
Training programmes to promote safety, well-being, and self-care.
Funded by:
For more information about this project
please contact Gareth Gibson (074) 91 29630, or email: gareth.gibson@donegalyouthservice.ie
