Calls For More Support For Young Carers

A young carer from Grimsby wants more support to be made available for those who care for a loved one.

New research shows a quarter of young carers don't feel they have anyone that they can talk to - with almost half of those surveyed saying the role is leaving them tired and stressed.

15-year-old Emily Drinkall, who's from Grimsby, has been her mum's main carer for the last five years after a brain tumour left her partially-disabled.

She told Viking FM:

"

She wants more help available for young carers and says the responsibility can be difficult.

She told Viking FM:

"I have to put her shoes on in the morning, help her up and down stairs and if she needs help getting in and out of the shower that's also my job. It can take its toll because I come to school worrying about what happens if mum falls over, what happens if I'm not there?

"You don't get much sleep because you don't get to bed early enough because you've got to do the washing and clean the house or you're sat up all night worrying and it can be very stressful because you become responsible for that person.

"There are organisations that offer support but if you feel you need it but you have to ask for that and many young carers feel like they can't ask for help. You have to be the responsible one and you can't be seen to be weak or have needs of your own because you're caring for other people."

Emily now attends a local support group and says getting help is vital:

"You feel like your alone and then I went to the groups and there are other people in the same situation who genuinely understand what it's like. They allow you to talk and say things that maybe you can't say to the person you're caring for and it also gives you some respite from your caring duties."

It comes as the Carers Trust launches a new online support service for young carers aged 8 -15 today.

Dr Moira Fraser from the trust, says:

"We know from what young people tell us that caring responsibilities can have a big impact on young carers' mental wellbeing, 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 neededto combat the risk of isolation and to make sure these young people are as happy and supported as they can be".