The Careline Appeal

Young Carers

“Young carers are the unsung heroes of the care system, selflessly providing support around the clock for the people they love. Yet carers of all ages, for the most noble of reasons, can often overlook their own needs - missing out on the important things their friends take for granted”.

- Children and Families Minister, October 2013

It is estimated that there are 700,000 young carers in the UK. Yet caring can have a significant impact on young people; they face disadvantages which affect their childhood and education as well as their future prospects. Young adult carers miss an average of 48 school days a year because of their caring role, and are four times more likely to drop out of college or university.

We continue to provide support for Young Carers in a number of ways:-  

                                                                                                                                                                                          i) by the provision of a Lifeline- so the person being cared for can summon assistance, allowing the young carer to have time to be away from the home knowing that help can be summoned in the event of a problem;

ii) funding days out; 

iii) helping to meet transport costs,

A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps look after a relative who has a condition, such as a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem.

Most young carers look after one of their parents or care for a brother or sister. They do extra jobs in and around the home, such as cooking, cleaning, or helping someone to get dressed and move around.

 Funding days out is such a positive way of being able to help a young carer and it allows them time to have fun....which all children should be able to do.

The Appeal recently helped fund 18 young carers to go and see Billy Elliot in Southampton. A good time was had by all.