Young carers balance the pressures of growing up with the responsibilities of looking after a loved one

Even from a very young age they provide care for family members dealing with chronic illness, disability, mental health issues, or addiction. While many of their friends enjoy carefree childhoods, young carers live dual lives—juggling school, friendships, and their own well-being alongside the demands of caregiving.

This blog aims to shed light on the unique experiences of young carers, offering a glimpse into their challenges and resilience. By amplifying their voices, we hope to foster understanding, raise awareness, and advocate for the support systems these young heroes truly need.

The below extracts are words from young carers we work with at North Tyneside Carers’ Centre.

*Amy

I started caring officially in 2020 when I was 14 years old, but I’d been caring a long time before that. It’s very time consuming. It can be really tiring and draining, and you can feel like your whole day is just being spent doing nothing or just spent caring. In my spare time I like to read, listen to music, watch movies and go out with friends when I have the time. Any time that I have for myself, tends to be later at night or at the weekends.

Do you worry about anything?

I worry how my brother will act and if people will be on edge or stressed about their caring role.

What support do you get?

I am able to go into a room for school if needed, for being a young carer, and I get support from the Carers’ Centre. The Carers’ Centre helps give me space to relax, go out and do things that I wouldn’t normally be able to do. It helps me to get out of the house so I am not in the house all the time.

*George

I get up, I help with washing the dishes, and I help my mom with whatever she needs to do, and then go to school and come home, clean up the house, talk to my mom if she needs it.

What would you like to explain to teachers?

Just be a little bit more lenient and understanding and just take time to ask. Sometimes I’m not always going to be paying attention, and that’s not because I’m bored of the lesson but because I’ve got other important things to think about. I think they need to have conversations with people to help understand it more.

* James

When did you become a carer?

I was eight.

Can you tell us about what your caring role involves?

Helping do things around the house and like washing dishes and clothes and being supportive to my mum.

What are some of the things you have to think about every day when caring for your mum?

How she’s doing that day and that every day is gonna feel different.

What do you find hard about caring for someone?

Sometimes I can’t find the time for myself to look after myself.

Do you have time to yourself?

No, not often

Do you worry about anything?

I worry about my mum, in case things change and then she gets sick again.

What support do you get at the Carers’ Centre?

Breaks and activities. I can talk to someone if I need to. It gives me the time and understanding.

Are you a young carer?

At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre we have a team who work with young carers to provide practical and emotional support around their caring role. This includes:

• A safe space to be listened to and explore your role as a young carer
• Help to understand the disability or illness of the person you care for
• An opportunity to take part in fun activities and make new friends
• Joining our Young Carers Forum to have your say about issues matters most to you as young carers

If you are a young carer or a family member in need of support, please contact the Young Carers’ Project team who will talk to you about your situation on 0191 2496480 or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk

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