Mental health problems of young carers

Date: 27th November 2017
Category: Mental health

Young carers need more support to reduce the risk of being bullied and suffering mental health and well-being problems as a result, find new research from Barnardo's UK.

Research shows that young people who have caring responsibilities for relatives or siblings are more likely to be bullied than their peers because of their family situation.

It is estimated there are 700,000 young carers in the UK, many of whom are vulnerable due to the stresses and strains caring for family members brings.

Many young carers spend 20 hours or more each week caring for their relative. They cook, clean, wash, shop, administer medication and often help to look after their siblings too.

And those young carers whose parents have mental health problems are three times more likely than other children to experience mental health problems themselves.

These include anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and behavioural problems.

• Read more from Barnardo's on the new research here.