Young carers: every child deserves to be just that – a child

In this guide:

What is a young carer?

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps look after a family member or friend with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or addiction. Despite their age, they handle significant tasks at home such as cooking, cleaning, managing finances, administering medicine, and providing emotional support.

In the UK, it’s estimated that around 800,000 young people fulfil such roles, though many more may go unrecognised due to the challenges in identifying and supporting them.

Daily life of a young carer

A young carer might do some, or all of these:

Impact of being a young carer

Being a young carer involves more than just handling adult responsibilities, it often reshapes a young person’s life. These responsibilities can significantly impact their educational journey; many young carers struggle with time management, leading to missed school days or incomplete homework, which can compromise their academic performance. Tasks like cooking, cleaning, and lifting can be physically taxing, draining energy needed for other activities.

Socially, the demands of caregiving can isolate them from peers, limiting their participation in extracurricular activities and social outings, which are crucial for developmental and emotional growth.

Emotionally, the weight of caregiving responsibilities can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and in some cases, depression, as they juggle the well-being of their loved ones with their own needs.

Young carers in military families

For young carers in military families, the unpredictability of military life, including frequent relocations and the emotional toll of a parent’s deployment, intensifies their challenges.

These young carers often face sudden changes in their caregiving roles, perhaps taking on more responsibilities when a parent is deployed or injured. The transient nature of military life can disrupt their educational continuity and social networks, leading to educational setbacks and emotional distress.

Supporting these young carers requires a dynamic and responsive support system that can quickly adapt to the changing circumstances of military life.

Understanding and support from schools, communities, and policymakers are crucial. Young carers contribute immensely to their families and society, yet without proper recognition and assistance, we risk overlooking their needs and potential.

Being a young carer should not mean missing out on being a young person. With the right support and awareness, young carers can thrive, achieving a balance that allows them to care for their loved ones while also caring for themselves.