While soaps like Eastenders offer a break from reality for many, they also reflect real-life struggles of people across the country. Starting this week, there is a storyline involving Will Mitchell as a young carer, showing him juggling caring with other responsibilities. Every child should receive the support they need to learn and thrive - this is doubly true for those young people who have caring responsibilities. This is what that looks like in real life.
One million
children and young people under 17 are estimated to currently have caring responsibilities across the UK
38%
more likely for young carers to be from disadvantaged backgrounds
35%
of pupils known to be young carers were persistently absent, missing one school day every fortnight, or more, on average
What is a young carer?
Young carers are children and young people under 18 who care for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, mental health needs or addiction, cannot cope without their support.
For Caring Matters Week, the BBC is shining a light on the experiences of unpaid carers and the role they play in families and communities across the country.
I was the girl that was a carer, but no one cared for the carer.
There is an estimate of 1 million young carers across the UK. According to the Carers Trust, 72% of schools reported having no young carers on record, suggesting that many remain hidden or unrecognised.
A lot of young people don’t realise they are carers, particularly where these duties are viewed as a normal family task or where stigma surrounds illness or disability.
Having caring responsibilities can be really difficult for some young people. Our research shows that young carers can feel more stressed or anxious, miss school, have little time to spend with their friends, and feel they must limit their plans for their own futures.
As their days are shaped by the needs of others, many miss out on things like after-school clubs, social events, or simply time to rest and reflect.
No child should miss out on education and opportunities to grow. Sadly, many young carers do.
Struggling to keep up with caring and school demands, young carers want more support from the education system:
I am failing school while looking after three people in my life and I am only a child. Do your job.
1 in 4
young carers receive no support at all in their school, college, or university
23
school days missed by young carers per year, on average
"Recognising young carers is important, as caring affects their life chances, and the care they provide can make their life in education harder. They then become isolated and more alone which in turn erodes their self-worth, confidence and emotional wellbeing. Their peers can label them as different and fail to understand them as individuals. This constant ‘ask and tasks’ can be wearing and eventually lead to a wellbeing crisis." - Nicola DePeza, Senior Family & Mental Health Practitioner
At the same time, many young carers say it can be positive, too. They might value the closeness they have with the person they care for, and feel resilient through meeting the challenges they have experienced.
Young carers deserve to be heard. They’re children and teenagers who need action from adults.
For more than two decades, we’ve championed the rights of young carers, ensuring they are recognised, understood, and supported. These are some of the ways we offer support:
It’s inspiring to see the encouragement and empowerment young carers share with one another. They help others realise they’re not alone, while also giving professionals a deeper understanding without judgement or labels.
- Pavla Guddu-Holubova, Service Manager: Include Young Carers
One piece of advice I would give to someone is just because you are a young carer, don't be scared. There are other people in your situation.
“More than a soap storyline”
Being a young carer is more than a soap storyline, it is reality for almost a million young people across the country. We need to give them the support and recognition they need.
