Young Carers in Bucks asked to reach out if they need help
Coronavirus has had a huge impact on young carers, according to local service Carers Bucks
Last updated 10th Nov 2020
Young carers in Buckinghamshire are being asked to speak out if they are struggling.
The impact of coronavirus on young carers is being highlighted by a new campaign #YoungCarersCount**.**
As part of this a young carer in Aylesbury has shared his story, and Carers Bucks have shared information and advice for young carers.
Holly who works for Carers Bucks says young carers have been hugely affected by the difficulties this year:
"I think a high percentage of young carers will have had their caring responsibilities increased. But also the numbers of hours they care for someone in their household will have increased because they aren't about to go out as much.
"Young carers will likely be looking after people who are more vulnerable, and have probably been shielding during coronavirus. So that will have made things much more difficult, not being able to go out to school, not being able to see their friends."
Holly explained that young carers a classed as children under the age of 18 who look after, or help to look after, someone.
Most of time this will be a family member, like Edward who is a 10-year-old young carer from Aylesbury.
He helps his mum look after his brother George, who has duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Edward said this year has been difficult:
"Sometimes, I know it sounds weird, I wanted time away from him since we share a room together it can sometimes be annoying.
"Sometimes he can be really annoying, but I get to care for my brother, to go out to places with new people."
George said that when he does go to school he can worry about George but he knows he can speak to people:
"Sometimes I will think 'when is our next meeting?' when I am at school and it gets really stressful.
"I usually talk to my mum, or my friends or even George. I would say its good to talk, since I talk to someone because I am stressed I would say they should talk if they or stressed.
"You never know someone might be able to help them and maybe make them that little bit less stressed."