Young carers

If you are under 18 and have a family member with MS, you may be giving them extra help and support.

If you are you may have heard of the term 'young carer' which is often used to refer to children and teens in your situation.

You might be caring for brothers or sisters, doing housework, cooking, shopping, helping them get dressed or move about the house.

Lots of people 'help out' at home, but if you're giving lots of care and it's causing you problems, or you just need some information about living with MS, there is help available.

There's an MS Society publication, 'MS in your life: a guide for young carers', which might help.

You may also want to take a look at a couple of websites for young carers: the Children's Society Young Carers Initiative and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers young carers site. 

The MS Society Young Carers Fund offers grants to young carers, or young people who have extra responsibilities because someone in the family with MS. We give grants of up to £300 to young people up to the age of 18, to pay for things like school trips, music lessons or sports equipment. have a look at the financial support for carers page for more informaiton. 

If you have any worries or questions you can call us on free on 0808 800 8000.

Eastern Area Young Carers Project (Northern Ireland)

The project offers support to children and young people aged 8-18 years, who have taken on a caring role for a parent, sibling or other family member. 

The project designs individual support packages, tailored around the needs and wishes of each young carer.  This may include one to one support, group work, outings and activities.

To find out more, or to make a referral, call 02890 460 500