Young carers’ time, energy and thoughts are often focused on the person they care for, usually a parent or sibling. Meaning they often don't think about the prospect of their own futures, and are more likely to struggle with keeping up with school work.
Research by Action for Children shows that over a quarter of young carers aged 11-15 regularly miss school, which can have a lasting effect on career prospects and life chances, and that 23% of young carers in the UK said that their caring role had also stopped them from making friends, affecting their ability to forge new and lasting friendships.
This can mean that young carers don’t ask for help when they are struggling and often miss out on support. Making it even more vital that young people in a caring role can recognise themselves as a young carer, feel confident to ask for help and know where to find it.
Here, Michelle, 16, who cares for her mum who has epilepsy, and for her brother who has physical disabilities, blogs her day as a young carer, providing some tips on how she manages to keep up with schoolwork whilst being a young carer.
In the mornings I get up at 7am and get myself ready, which usually takes me 20 minutes. After breakfast, I help my mum to get her clothes for the day. Whilst she gets ready, I help her prepare her medication. I also help mum with getting my little brother dressed and into his wheelchair. I sometimes help with his medication too. At 8am I leave for school.
TIP: Have a good routine
I have a regular morning routine where I get up at a set time each morning and get myself ready first. This means I can then organise the things I need to do to help my mum and brother without being late for school.
During weekdays I’m at school. Mum has care workers coming in to help her during the day which helps me to concentrate on my schoolwork. Though I do spend a lot of time worrying about her when I'm not there.
TIP: Be open about asking for support
Get talking about young carers and start a young carers lunch club. We don’t currently have any carer support at school but I know there have been discussions about starting a young carers lunch club. As a young carer myself, I would find this helpful. I know there are other young carers at school too.
Every day, after school I have revision. Sometimes I get worried about my mum because the care workers leave at 4pm. I know I leave revision at 4pm but I worry when I walk home because sometimes my little brother can get too much for my mum on her own.
TIP: Tell your school that you’re a young carer
They may be able to provide you with extra support because you’re a young carer or put you in touch with an organisation who can help. Carers First can help by talking to your school around deadlines and your skillset or helping you to apply for grants for things that can help you in your learning, such as a computer.
When I get home my sister is here. My sister will help care for mum whilst I do my homework if I ask her. I now have a laptop Carers First helped me to get to help me revise for my GCSE's and access courses available to me as a young adult carer. Later, if my mums not up to it I'll help her to cook dinner and do the housework.
TIP: Plan your time
Make sure you set time aside for when you can do homework or catch up on work you’ve missed. This could be short periods throughout the week to help you manage.
In the evenings I sometimes attend a secondary aged young carers group because it gives me a little break from caring. I also get to meet new people who are young carers with similar caring roles. I enjoy meeting new people most, and speaking to them about their experience of caring and how they feel about it. It also lets me get some time for me and to have some time out of the house.
TIP: Share your experience with other young carers
You can meet other young carers and access lots of free fun groups, activities, and trips out through organisations like Carers First. If you don’t live in one of Carers First’s areas, you can contact The Carers Trust to find out who your local carers organisation is. By talking to other young people who are in a similar situation, you can offer support and advice to each other.
Before I go sleep, I make sure my mum has her medication. Then I like to wind down by doing something like watching TikTok videos to help me fall asleep.
TIP: Get enough sleep
Without enough sleep it can be hard to have the energy to look after the person you care for as well as to concentrate at school, do your homework and have fun too. Set yourself a bedtime to aim for and have the same routine every day before bed to help you wind down to sleep. To help even more you could include relaxing things like having a bath, playing calming music or reading a book.
We want to ensure that all young people, as well as friends and family can recognise themselves as a carer to ensure help them get the support they deserve.
Are you a young person providing support to someone who could not manage without your help or know someone who is? Would you like more information and advice to help you in your caring role? Visit our online support for young carers.
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.