Wellbeing
Wellbeing Support for Young Carers
Taking care of yourself is really important, especially if you are a Young Carer. When you feel good, other parts of your life – like school and spending time with friends – feel easier too. It’s totally okay to need some help along the way, and we’re here to support you.
What Does ‘Wellbeing’ Mean?
Wellbeing is all about feeling happy, healthy, and good about yourself. It includes feeling good, thinking positively, and taking care of your body and mind.
Some days, we feel great, and other days, things might feel harder. That is normal. But sometimes, our feelings can be a lot to handle on our own, and we might need a little help to feel better.
If you ever feel low or overwhelmed, remember you are not alone. We’ve created a Wellbeing Toolkit just for Young Carers like you, full of ideas and tips to help you feel your best.
How Would I Know If I Need Wellbeing Support?
You might need wellbeing support as a Young Carer if you:
- Feel Overwhelmed: If you often feel really stressed or anxious about your caring duties.
- Struggle to Keep Up: If it’s hard to do well in school or spend time with friends because of your caring role.
- Feel Sad or Lonely: If you often feel sad, lonely, or frustrated.
- Feel Tired: If you’re always tired or can’t sleep well.
- Need Someone to Talk To: If you don’t have anyone to share your feelings or experiences with.
- Notice Changes: If you see changes in how you feel, eat, or spend time with others.
If any of these sound like something you are experiencing, getting support can help you feel better. It’s important to take care of yourself too!
Need Someone to Talk To?
You Matter
It’s okay if you don’t feel okay – there are people who want to listen and help. You don’t have to handle everything on your own. Here are some people you can talk to:
- Parents/Guardians – They care about you and can offer support.
- School Staff – Teachers and school counsellors are here to help you.
- Carers in Bedfordshire – Our support workers and wellbeing practitioners are always happy to listen.
- Your Doctor (GP) – They can connect you to counselling and other support.
Helpful Apps – There are some apps you can use to manage your feelings. Ask an adult for help if you need to download them
Tips to Support Your Wellbeing
- Take Breaks: Make sure to take short breaks during your day. Even a few minutes of quiet time can help you feel better.
- Stay Active: Move your body! Play sports, go for a walk, dance, or ride your bike. Being active helps you feel happier and more energised.
- Talk About Your Feelings: Share how you feel with someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or teacher. Talking can make you feel lighter.
- Do Things You Enjoy: Spend time doing things you love, like reading, drawing, or playing games. Hobbies can help you relax and have fun.
- Get Enough Sleep: Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get enough sleep. Rest is important for your body and mind.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Try to eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. Healthy food can give you energy and help you feel good.
- Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments to breathe deeply. Focus on your breath or notice your surroundings. This can help calm your mind.
- Make Time for Friends: Spend time with friends and family. Being around people who care about you can lift your spirits.
- Limit Screen Time: Take breaks from screens (like phones, tablets, or TV). Too much screen time can make you feel tired or stressed.
- Ask for Help When You Need It: If you’re feeling stressed, it’s okay to ask for help. Talk to an adult you trust about how you are feeling.
Remember: Taking care of yourself is important! It helps you feel good and makes it easier to handle your daily tasks. Try to use some of these self-care tips every day and see which ones work best for you!
How Can I Get Wellbeing Support?
What Help Does Young Carers Bedford Offer?
Our Young Carers team is here just for you! Our support workers can meet you at school or talk to you over the phone if you’d like. If you need extra support, our wellbeing practitioner can help you manage any feelings you’re dealing with.
Ask your parents or guardians to check out our Parental Guide to learn more about how we can help. This guide offers information on Wellbeing Support, communication, and lots of helpful tips!
How Can I Get Wellbeing Support?
If you’re under 16, it’s a good idea to ask a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to help you get Wellbeing Support. They can fill out a form to ask for support, but they should make sure to check with you first!
Once we get the form, our team will contact the adult who reached out on your behalf.
What Help Does Young Carers Bedford Borough Offer?
If you’re waiting for Wellbeing Support or don’t feel ready to meet with someone yet, there are things you can try to feel better. One way is to practice the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Here’s a quick look at each one:
- Connect – Spend time with family and friends, talk, listen, and play together.
- Be Active – Move your body by playing, dancing, or going outside.
- Take Notice – Notice the world around you; look at the sky, listen to sounds, and think about how you feel.
- Keep Learning – Try something new, like a hobby or game, or learn something cool at school.
- Give – Be kind and help others, like sharing or doing something nice for someone.
These five steps can help you feel good, stay healthy, and make every day a little brighter! You can also check out the links below for more ideas on practicing the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.
Videos To Support Your Wellbeing
Childline
Childline has lots of helpful resources. You can call, chat, or visit their website anytime you need support.
Helpful Apps You Can Try
There are apps to help you feel calm, manage stress, and relax. Ask a parent or guardian if you’d like to download any of these:
Breathr App – Fun mindfulness exercises.
SAM (Self-Anxiety Management) – Calming exercises for anxiety.
Mindshift App – Helps with low mood and anxiety.
Pacifica – Tools for dealing with stress and anxiety.
Headspace – Guided meditation for better sleep and less stress.
If you have questions or want to talk about your wellbeing as a Young Carer, please contact our team today.
