Young carers
Thousands of children across the country are forced to grow up early and miss out on vital educational and recreational opportunities because they care for disabled or chronically ill adults or younger siblings.
According to the 2001 census there are 175,000 young carers in the UK. However, research carried out by the BBC in 2010 indicated that there may as many as 700,000.
For these children, childhood can be truly lost. We help young carers by making sure they can have breaks as often as possible from their responsibilities.
Supporting young carers
Our Include programme works with voluntary and statutory services across the country to support young carers. We campaign for change and promote best practice with central and local government.
We aim to:
- develop a national focus for young carers, their families and those who work to support them
- promote common standards.
Working together with a variety of organisations we have:
- created a contacts database of young carers projects
- organised training events and regional conferences
- published guidance, leaflets and information packs
- organised annual Young Carers Festivals (see below)
- developed online resources
- produced a training DVD
- supported children and young people making presentations to ministers and parliamentarians.
Visit Include’s website to find a wealth of information and resources for young carers, families and professionals.
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