Young Carers Action Day 2022

Did you know that the 16th March 2022 is Young Carers Action Day 2022?

According to The Children’s Society, in the UK there are 800,000 young carers between the ages of 5-17 years old and 27% of young carers aged 11-15 miss or have difficulties at school because of their caring responsibilities.

By definition:

a young carer is someone under the age of 18 who looks after a family member or friend who has a physical or mental health condition, or misuses drugs or alcohol. They may also look after brothers, sisters or elderly relatives too. – The Children’s Society

Young Carers Action Day is an annual event led by the Carers Trust. It raises awareness and calls for action to increase support for young people with caring responsibilities.  This year, the Carers Trust is highlighting the need for young carers to be able to access short breaks and for this to be put into legislation. Short respite breaks would provide much-needed freedom from responsibilities and reduce isolation.

As a person living with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, I thought it was important to highlight Young Carers Action Day;  I am aware that I may have a carer at some point in my life. Some people may actually argue that my children, ages 11 and 14, already act as young carers in some ways.

Are my Children Young Carers?

Sometimes it is difficult for me to make the distinction between the jobs that my children do as part of the ‘process of growing up’ and what they do because my MS necessitates that I need help.  I think it is healthy for children and young people to learn how to care for themselves and a home; how to put a wash on or clear the table after dinner, for example.  My children can do these household jobs, but they don’t always do them automatically; I usually need to ask them or set a timetable up so they know what they are expected to do in return for some pocket money.

Since I’ve become a single mum, however, I have noticed that there are a few other jobs that they do that used to be carried out by the other adult who was in the house. When I need to save some money by going to Aldi rather than make an online food shop at Tesco, my daughter pushes the trolley whilst I ride my mobility scooter.  She puts all the food onto the conveyer belt and bags it whilst I clumsily try to help.  In the morning, she’s been known to put my socks on or pull my jeans up over my leg that has been straightened by spasticity if I’m not able to.

The children also have to lift and carry things for me around the house and garden, such as carrying washing up and down the stairs or draining water from a pan of pasta at dinner.  However, after reading more about young carers and the experiences that many go through – having to miss school, not being able to join their friends on days out and/or feeling isolated as a result of their caring responsibilities – I don’t think that either of my children fit into the role of young carer.

Sometimes I feel a bit uneasy about the help that my daughter, in particular, gives to me but the scenarios are not an everyday occurrence, as they would be for many young carers.  When I thank her for helping with the shopping, she’ll often say that she likes it because she likes looking through the random ‘special buys’ middle aisle!  Plus, she knows that she will be able to help choose the food she likes for the week.

The Reality for Young Carers

According to a BBC report in February 2020, young carers spend an average of 25 hours a week looking after a loved one, often taking on adult roles, supporting them physically and/or mentally. The charity Action for Children found, in a survey of 383 young carers aged between seven and 18, that their care equated to around £240 a week.

Taking on this supporting role can have an impact on children’s physical and mental health. That is why Young Carers Action Day is so important; these children still have to study for exams and crave the same opportunities that their friends have.  Young Carers Action Day helps to raise the awareness of young carers; their presence in schools, the pressures and challenges they may face and the incredible contribution they make.

Supporting Young Carers

If you have a young carer in your family, are one yourself or perhaps work with children, you may find it beneficial to access the following websites for advice and support:

The Children’s Society – provides guidance for professionals working with young carers

The Carers Trust allows you to postcode search for support in your area (for any age of carer)

Barnardos offer a support hub for families with young carers and provides tips for young carers themselves

The NHS offers advice on where you might get the best help for your particular needs

Childline is a free and confidential phone line that kids can call for advice and support on 0800 11 11

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Till next time,