Proud young carers feeling the strain of caring for loved ones

Young carers are feeling under pressure to care for their loved ones which is having a negative impact on their own personal well-being, reports UK carers charity Carers Trust.

The charity conducted the survey of 350 unpaid young carers from across the UK and compared their finding with a YouGov study of 457 non-carers, or children aged 8–15, who didn’t have a family member at home with a disability or illness. The study revealed that the group of unpaid carers in the 8–15 age range were more stressed and unhappy than their peers in the non-carers group.

Dr Moira Fraser, interim chief executive of Carers Trust said: “We know from what young people tell us that caring responsibilities can have a big impact on young carers’ mental well-being, and this survey really brings home the scale of the issue.

“This is also the first time we’ve been able to compare young carers’ feelings to other children and young people. It shows just how much Babble is needed to combat the risk of isolation and to make sure these young people are as happy and supported as they can be”.

When participants in the study were asked about their worries, the group of carers were concerned about money, bullying, their exams, their families and the future.

Young carers were asked how they felt being a carer and almost half said they felt stressed as a result; whilst 44 per cent admitted that they were tired. A further 51 per cent agreed that the being a young carer made them feel proud and 42 per cent said they felt happy.

Furthermore, the study indicated that one quarter of young carers felt that they didn’t have enough people that they could talk to and almost one third said that they wanted to talk to other young carers online.

The results of the study have prompted Carers Trust to launch a new online community for young carers aged under 18. Babble offers young carers support and friendship from likeminded young people in the similar circumstances.

Babble has been given funding by the Queens Trust and allows young carers to chat and share their stories with each other in a safe moderated environment. The website was created in collaboration with young carers to provide an easy and accessible way for young carers to interact and support each other.

Carers Trust has received positive recognition for its efforts to connect young carers and the charity hopes that Babble will increase the support provided to those in need. Comments from users include:

“I think it has helped me develop conversation skills and a lot of confidence. I’ve found it easier to get along with new people. It’s also nice to know other young carers because I don't know anyone who’s one outside the site. I like the fact everyone tries to help each other. It has a really nice atmosphere and honestly I love everyone there so much!” “I think, including me, lots of people don’t want to make a fuss that they’re a young carer and sometimes just want a normal life which is why the online service is good. I use it and it’s very helpful.”

Young carers can use Babble to access support and advice from members of the Carers Trust online support team which consists of a number of qualified youth, social and community workers.

To get advice and support from Carers Trust visit www.youngcarers.net or http://babble.carers.org