A Carer's Guide to Rights and Benefits in West Sussex

Being a young adult carer means juggling a lot and it can be overwhelming. That’s why learning how to build healthy relationships, set boundaries, resolve conflicts, and manage your time is so important—not just for those you care for, but for you. These are your Life Balance Tools—skills that help you thrive while caring.

Healthy Relationships: What Do They Look Like?

Healthy relationships—whether with family, friends, partners, or professionals—are built on:

– Respect: Feeling valued and heard.

– Trust: Knowing you can rely on each other.

– Support: Encouraging each other’s goals and wellbeing.

– Communication: Being honest and open, even when it’s hard.

As a carer, you might feel like your needs come second. But healthy relationships are mutual. You deserve to be supported, too.

Tips:

– Check in with yourself: Do you feel safe and respected in this relationship?

– Practice active listening: Give others space to speak and ask for the same in return.

– Don’t be afraid to ask for help or express your needs!

Boundaries: Protecting Your Energy

Boundaries are limits that protect your time, energy, and emotional wellbeing. They help you say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what drains you.

Why Boundaries Matter:

– They prevent burnouts.

– They help you maintain your identity outside of your caring role.

– They teach others how to treat you.

How to Set Boundaries:

– Be clear and kind: “I need some time to myself this evening.”

– Stay consistent: Don’t feel guilty for sticking to your limits.

– Use “I” statements: “I feel overwhelmed when I don’t get time to rest.”

Conflict Resolution: Navigating Tough Conversations

Conflict is normal. What matters is how you handle it. Whether it’s with a family member, friend, or professional, resolving conflict respectfully can strengthen relationships.

Steps to Resolve Conflict:

Pause: Take a breath before reacting.
Listen: Try to understand the other person’s perspective.
Speak calmly: Use non-blaming language.
Find common ground: What solution works for both of you?

Example:

Instead of saying, “You never help me,” try:

“I feel overwhelmed when I don’t get support. Can we talk about how we can share responsibilities?”

Time Management: Making Space for You

Time can feel like it’s always slipping away—especially when caring responsibilities are unpredictable. But managing your time helps you feel more in control and less stressed.

Strategies:

– Prioritise: What must be done today? What can wait?

– Use tools: Try planners, apps, or simple to-do lists.

– Schedule breaks: Rest is productive too.

– Say no: You don’t have to do everything.

Bonus Tip:

Try the “3 Ds”:

– Do it (if it’s quick and urgent)

– Defer it (schedule it for later)

– Delegate it (ask for help)

Final Thoughts

You’re doing something incredible—but you’re also a young person with dreams, needs, and a life of your own. Building healthy relationships, setting boundaries, resolving conflict, and managing your time are not just survival skills—they’re thriving skills.

You deserve support, space, and self-care. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember you’re not alone.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate all this on your own. We are here to support you.

Carers Support West Sussex offer a range of services, including guidance, emotional support, and help with finances. We also run the “My Future” groups for young adult carers aged 16-21, offering a safe space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

Visit our dedicated Young Adult Carer webpage for more information.

Take care,

The Young Adult Carers Team