Annie is eight years old. She lives alone with her mother who has mental health problems and also suffers from agoraphobia. Annie can't have friends round or go to the park to play due to her mum's illness. Annie is there for her mum doing housework, shopping and cheering mum up when she is down. Annie is aware that her life is different to her peers.
Young carers and the Young Carers Service
A young carer is a child aged up to 18 from any ethnic or social background who has caring responsibilites in their home.
Imagine at age 10 caring for a family member who is sick, disabled or has mental health problems or, is misusing drugs or alcohol.
Caring can mean anything, from cooking, cleaning, shopping, providing nursing and personal care, to giving emotional support.
With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being ‘different’. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood. They are often afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.
What young carers say about how caring affects them:
"I care for my mum who uses a wheelchair. Sometimes I stay off school to look after her and take my brother to school."
"I don’t go out with friends much because it means leaving mum on her own in the house."
"Sometimes I feel lonely, that I am the only one and nobody understands."
"I give my mum her tea and tablets in the morning. I get upset when she is sad and don’t want to leave her."
"Everyone in my class is going away on a trip for the weekend with school. I can’t go because I need to stay with my dad."
There are currently over 580 young carers registered with the Young Carers Service in this area.
The Young Carers Service aims to provide -
- information and support to help young carers make informed choices.
- one to one sessions, normally a series of six, providing information and practical tips.
- an advocacy service to ensure young carers voices are heard.
- individual awards.
- a free newsletter called Chill.
There is great emphasis on young carers setting the agenda and having a voice on all key issues.
In addition, the service provides professionals (such as social workers, teachers and health staff) with advice, resources and training on young carers issues.
All in all, a great service, however it's impact is considerably impaired as a result of under-resourcing and under-funding.
Imagine at age 10 caring for a family member who is sick, disabled or has mental health problems or, is misusing drugs or alcohol.
Caring can mean anything, from cooking, cleaning, shopping, providing nursing and personal care, to giving emotional support.
With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities that other children have to play and learn. Many struggle educationally and are often bullied for being ‘different’. They can become isolated, with no relief from the pressures at home, and no chance to enjoy a normal childhood. They are often afraid to ask for help as they fear letting the family down or being taken into care.
What young carers say about how caring affects them:
"I care for my mum who uses a wheelchair. Sometimes I stay off school to look after her and take my brother to school."
"I don’t go out with friends much because it means leaving mum on her own in the house."
"Sometimes I feel lonely, that I am the only one and nobody understands."
"I give my mum her tea and tablets in the morning. I get upset when she is sad and don’t want to leave her."
"Everyone in my class is going away on a trip for the weekend with school. I can’t go because I need to stay with my dad."
There are currently over 580 young carers registered with the Young Carers Service in this area.
The Young Carers Service aims to provide -
- information and support to help young carers make informed choices.
- one to one sessions, normally a series of six, providing information and practical tips.
- an advocacy service to ensure young carers voices are heard.
- individual awards.
- a free newsletter called Chill.
There is great emphasis on young carers setting the agenda and having a voice on all key issues.
In addition, the service provides professionals (such as social workers, teachers and health staff) with advice, resources and training on young carers issues.
All in all, a great service, however it's impact is considerably impaired as a result of under-resourcing and under-funding.
