Shining a Light on Young Carers

Recognizing the Vital Role of Young Carers

There are 166,000 young carers in England, and this number is just the visible portion. Many more remain hidden, providing essential care to family members without recognition. Team v is determined to change this by raising awareness and ensuring young carers and their families receive the necessary support.

Kate, a Team v Leader, shares her experience living with ME, and the invaluable support she receives from her younger sister, Abi. This campaign aims to highlight the challenges faced by young carers and the importance of supporting them.

Understanding the Life of Young Carers

Young carers, often under 18, provide care to family members who are physically or mentally ill, disabled, or have substance misuse issues. Abi, for example, has cared for Kate since she was 12, balancing her responsibilities with school, a part-time job, and raising her own child.

Caring tasks vary widely, including preparing meals, assisting with personal care, administering medication, and providing emotional support. At her worst, Kate was completely reliant on Abi for day-to-day activities, emphasizing the heavy burdens young carers often carry.

The Impact on Young Carers

Young carers frequently sacrifice social activities and personal time. Abi, for instance, missed out on experiences with friends due to the need for a quiet environment for Kate’s health. Many young carers, like Abi, balance over 15 hours of caring each week with their personal lives.

Despite their significant contributions, many young carers are “hidden” from view and don’t receive the recognition they deserve. Abi’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication young carers exhibit daily.

How to Support Young Carers

If you know someone who might be a young carer, it’s crucial to offer support. Encourage them to speak with a trusted adult or consult resources like NHS Choices for further information.

To learn more about supporting young carers, join the Do You Care campaign and help make a difference today.

Explore more about volunteering opportunities and initiatives with Vinspired: - Recognising the inspiring contribution of young volunteers - Effective campaigning: five tips for creating a lasting legacy - Volunteers’ Week 2016 - Is volunteering the answer?