Lots of young people are carers, some have shared their stories with us. See how we helped them and how we might be able to help you.
I began caring for my mum unknowingly around 5/6 years old. She has had a spinal deformity since she was born, but as the years have gone by it's taken its toll on her mobility, and she has spent a lot of time in hospital and then in recovery at home.
Laila is a 14-year-old young carer who is living with her mother, her 10-year-old brother and her 6-year-old sister. Laila helps to care for her younger sister who has severe, non-verbal autism, epilepsy, hypermobility, learning difficulties and developmental delay; and her mum who suffers from fibromyalgia and mental ill-health.
Ellie is exceptional; in the face of adversity, she excels and achieves.
Jack was 16 and in the middle of his exams when he was referred to Carers Support Centre. He cares for his mum who has hearing loss and suffers from anxiety; and at the time, his mum was about to undergo a major operation.
Kierah is nine years old and cares for her older sister Kayleigh who has Central Core Disease, a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy.
Ryan is 11 years old. He cares for his mum who has long-term mental health conditions and his two brothers who both have autistic spectrum disorder.
Hi I’m Sam-Lea. I’m 13 years old and I’m a young carer. I live with and care for my dad who is a disabled ex-service man. I help him with the chores around the house including washing up, vacuuming, loading and unloading the washing machine and more. I help him get dressed. I also remind him of his
medication.
Nicole is 13 years old. She cares for her father, who is bipolar, and her two younger brothers, one with autism spectrum disorder and learning needs, the other Down’s Syndrome. Due to her caring role, Nicole experienced mental health challenges, low self-esteem, worry, tiredness, stress, anxiety, and experiences low mood.