What is a young adult carer? (YAC)

A young adult carer is someone aged between 18-25 who cares, unpaid, for someone who may be chronically ill, disabled, have a mental health condition or an addiction.

How we plan to help young adult carers

Just like our work with all adult carers, we aim to establish a friendly and supportive network specifically for young adult carers with opportunities to come together to meet up, socialise and find out more about what’s available to young adults in Gateshead.

• We will continue to connect with colleges and universities and together we will approach workplaces speaking on behalf of young adult carers.
• Our team of Carer Wellbeing Facilitators will help you to understand the funding and services that are available to families here in Gateshead.
• We will arrange regular free meet-ups and trips out so our YACs can get to know other people who are in a similar situation.

All our support and social events are free but you do need to register with us (also free!).

Different caring situations

Everyone’s caring situation is different. You may be part of a community which means caring can bring additional challenges. You might look after a parent, brother, sister, partner or grandparent. Young adults often care for more than one person in the family, in different ways. Some of the more common situations are caring for someone with mental health issues, autism, substance/alcohol problems, and dementia.

Carer’s Assessment

As a carer, you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment. Currently, this is from social services but will soon be carried out by our team of Carer Wellbeing Facilitators here at Gateshead Carers. The assessment allows you to discuss how your life is impacted by your caring role and to get extra support if you need it, even if the person you care for doesn’t want an assessment for themselves.

Get in touch

Start a live chat, call 0191 4900121, or email [email protected]  

Volunteer Opportunities for YACs

Young Adult Carer Trustee
Join our board of trustees. New board members are nominated and recruited for their skills and expertise, their interests, experience and passion. Take a look at our current members to see what they each bring to the charity. If you think you would like to join our board of trustees please contact us to apply. 

Other volunteer roles

We have a host of opportunities to get involved including Befriending, Community Connectors, and our Virtual Carer Cafes.

Would you like to help set up and facilitate our first YAC Cafe?

Visit our webpage or contact Claire Parker, our Volunteer Coordinator to find out more [email protected]