"I'd love to have kid problems" - Young Carers reveal untold impact of the Cost of Living crisis

A survey of more than a thousand Young Carers by the Carer's Trust has found the cost of living crisis is having a profound impact on their lives

Stats seen by Forth 1 show Carers are facing a "double whammy" of pressures, with many forced to increase the amount of caring they do, while also trying to contribute to or manage household budgets.

The survey found:

• 56% of Young Carers say the cost of living crisis is hitting them and their families
• 32% say they are facing additional costs because they are a carer
• 56% say the time they spend caring has increased in the last year
• 47% are now caring for more people than they used to.

One young adult carer told the survey: “I’d love to have kid problems. Instead, I’m saving up to try and pay our rent and to see if I can squeeze in some food at the end of it.”

Another said: “Caring never stops. Especially when it’s time to sleep, your brain constantly worries about how tomorrow will be, hospital appointments, money etc. It’s in overdrive.”

Physical and mental health pressures on Young Carers

One young adult told the survey: “There is a lot of pressure on me, to the detriment of my own health, wellbeing, success, happiness and future.”

The findings suggest these pressures are having an effect on mental health with many struggling with emotional wellbeing and feel stressed, overwhelmed or drained.

The survey found 44% ‘always’ or ‘usually’ feel stressed.

The report also highlights a significant intensification of the caring role of Young Carers (aged under 18) and Young Adult Carers (Aged 18-25).

More than half (51%) of those surveyed report caring for between 20 and 49 hours per week, while also balancing their studies, work and lives outside of caring.

A higher proportion of those caring for more hours per week reported problems with money, not having time to socialise, feeling stressed and worried and not getting enough rest, sleep or time for themselves.

Impact on education and attainment

When it comes to the education of Young Carers there were more concerning findings:

• 40% said that they never or do not often get help in school, college or university to balance caring and education work
• While a third of overall respondents saying they usually or always struggle with that balance
• 28% say there is ‘not often’ or ‘never’ someone at their school, college or university who understands about them being a carer.

This academic year marks the first year that the school census will include whether or not a child has carer status, something its hoped will give school's more knowledge about whether a child might need more support, or be eligible for outside help.

The change was secured after we highlighted the lack of knowledge of the true number of Young Carers across the country through our #YoungCarersCount campaign.

Five point pledge to support Young Carers

The Carer's Trust is now asking politicians to sign up to a five-point pledge committing them to supporting children and young people in a caring role.

Additionally, Carers Trust alongside young carers will be going to Downing Street to hand in an open letter for the Prime Minister on Young Carers Action Day calling for him to do more to help.

Carers Trust’s CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said: “These shocking survey results show young people caring for their loved ones are being hit by a perfect storm of increasing intensity in their caring responsibilities and the spiralling cost of living.

"It cannot be right that children and young adult carers are having to take on the burden of dealing with stretched household finances and caring for ever longer hours, to the detriment of their education and wellbeing.

“Young people also tell us they urgently need support with mental health and access to breaks. It’s high time we gave them the help they so sorely need.”

If you're a young carer, find out more about the services open to you through the Carer's Trust