In the UK, there are around 7 million – one in every ten people – who are unpaid carers, although it’s believed that three in five people will take on this role at some point in their lives. How many of these are young carers – those under eighteen with caring responsibilities – is open to debate with surveys over recent years ranging from 39,000 to a whopping 820,000. Whatever the true number, that’s a lot of children with a huge amount of responsibility.
According to the Children’s Society, the caring role could involve “[looking] 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.” Even more responsibility!
Today (13th March) is Young Carers Action Day. Carers Trust organise and lead this annual event and encourage individuals, organisations and communities to take part “by taking action, supporting and raising awareness of young carers” (https://carers.org/young-carers-action-day/young-carers-action-day)
In my first book in the Escape to the Lakes series, readers meet Rosie who cares for her mum, Alice, who has barely left the grounds of Willowdale Hall since a hit and run accident when Rosie was only fourteen. In the second book, A Breath of Fresh Air, we find out more about Alice’s accident and the impact it had on Rosie, both at the time and two decades down the line.
It’s therefore very apt that the theme for this year’s Young Carers Action Day is fair futures for young carers. Rosie was very fortunate when it came to her career. Her mum ran Willowdale Hall Riding Stables and all Rosie had ever wanted to do was work there – something which the owner of the stables permitted her to do when she left school. Many young carers aren’t quite so fortunate, setting aside their hopes and dreams of a university education and/or future career to continue with their caring responsibilities.
And, even before that stage of life, young carers can find education a challenge with few or no adjustments made during their school years. In a recent survey from Carers Trust, they found that one in three young or young adult carers struggled to balance education and caring responsibilities and 40% didn’t receive the help they needed to do this, often getting into trouble for work handed in late through no fault of their own. This is why Carers Trust seek to raise greater awareness of what so many children and young adults are contending with back at home.
In A Breath of Fresh Air, Rosie’s best friend Autumn has settled down in a happy relationship and is actively involved in village life, which makes Rosie reflect on how much she has missed out on by making her job and her mum her whole life. Is it too late to do something about that? You’ll just have to read A Breath of Fresh Air to find out! In the meantime, sending my best wishes to all the young carers out there and hoping they can access the support and understanding they need.
Big hugs
Jessica xx