The hidden young face of care

Young people who provide unpaid care to someone with an illness or disability in their households can remain unrecognised by practitioners within the health and social care system as the focus is usually on the presenting individual or those who require care. Practitioners working in the health and social care system should have knowledge and awareness of who young carers are and their circumstances. This article seeks to raise the profile of young carers so that practitioners are able to recognise and provide holistic care to the family and provide resource and support opportunities for young people who provide care.