鈥淚 don鈥檛 really get a chance to go out playing, I usually spend my time in the house looking after my brother and sister and my mum. It would be nice to have more time to socialise, and to have time for myself.鈥�
Lauren is 14 and from Stockport. Her mum has non-epileptic attack disorder, resulting in attacks similar to epileptic fits which can leave her unable to get out of bed. This means Lauren helps her mother carry out everyday tasks such as dressing and cooking, whilst also helping take care of her younger siblings.
Always one to look on the bright side, Lauren is quick to notice the positives of her caring role, saying that: 鈥渂eing a young carer has made me more mature as I have had to grow my responsibilities. I鈥檓 more respectful of others now as I can feel for what they are going through.鈥�
Despite this bright outlook though, her responsibilities have had an impact on her own education as she sometimes misses school to care for her family. It's also had an emotional impact and Lauren knows that she sometimes misses out on childhood experiences as her caring responsibilities come first.
Since 2010, Lauren鈥檚 been attending a group at聽 in Stockport which is funded by 鲍鱼tv Children in Need. Signpost works directly with young carers to provide support, respite and life skills, as well as the chance to meet other young people from similar backgrounds.
Activities include sports and team-building games as well as work helping young people to cope with their caring roles. Signpost also helps organise residential trips and breaks for young carers, which Lauren has hugely enjoyed.
In the four years that she鈥檚 been with the group, Lauren鈥檚 gone from strength to strength. She鈥檚 become much more confident and has built a strong friendship group.
Talking of the benefits, Lauren says: 鈥淚t is important to meet with other young carers because it helps me to understand that I am not isolated and there are also other young carers who are in the same situation. It鈥檚 comforting to know that you鈥檙e not in the situation alone.鈥�
A pillar of support both in her family and to other young carers, she is often found supporting fellow attendees at the project who need someone to talk to. Lauren has also taken a proactive role in raising the profile of young carers, recently delivering a talk to members of her school.聽 She is the first to admit that, had she not been in the position herself, she probably wouldn鈥檛 understand what a young carer was, and is committed to raising awareness.
Looking forward, Lauren is positive about her future, but she鈥檚 got advice for other young carers in the same position: 鈥淒on鈥檛 hide away and keep it to yourself; there鈥檚 support there for you so don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for it!鈥�
It鈥檚 estimated that there are almost a quarter of a million young carers in the UK.聽 Sadly, in reality these figures could be even higher. 聽The term young carer refers to anyone under 18, who looks after someone unable to care for themselves. Typical tasks they might help with include cooking and cleaning, and helping someone to get showered, dressed and move around.
All too often the hard work of carers doesn鈥檛 get the recognition it deserves, which is why Carers Week was set up.聽 Now in its twentieth year, Carers Week is a chance for people to learn more about the roles of carers and the great differences they make.
Thanks to your donations we're able to support 87 young carer projects.
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