Young carers given chance to 'be just children'

As children across the country make the most of the final days of the summer holidays, many are spending their time playing with friends, going on trips and enjoying a break from school.

But for children like Sophia and Charlie from Shropshire, the holidays have also involved caring responsibilities at home.

Both eight-year-olds have attended a group which helps give young carers free time to be "normal children."

Their stories highlight the challenges faced by young carers and the importance of services designed to support them.

The county council-funded Shropshire Young Carers group offered the youngsters a "well needed break," their parents said.

It helps support children from aged five to 17 who help look after someone at home, making sure they are "valued, recognised and given the space to thrive".

Sophia and her younger brother David care for their mum, Sally at their home in Market Drayton.

Sally has a brain tumour which causes daily seizures and makes everyday tasks, such as climbing the stairs and preparing meals, difficult.

Sophia said she sometimes feels "confused" because she has more responsibilities than many children her age.

"I have to help with the washing. Most people don't not have to," she added.

"I have to do the dishwasher and some people do not because they do not have to do it because their mum or dad or someone at home could do it for them."

Sophia and David were introduced to Shropshire Young Carers by their head teacher at school.

Sally said the school had supported her family throughout her illness.

"When they were in infants, I was meant to go and have the tumour removed," she said.

"Sophia wears her heart on her sleeve, so she would not want to leave me because I wasn't given a specific date, I was just given a month."

The school were "so helpful," she added, "and could not have done more to help her."

The siblings were soon referred to the council-funded group and had a visit from support worker Simon Jones.

Sally said his own experience as a young carer helped him connect with the children.

"He fully understands what the children go through," she said.

"He's someone they can talk to and bounce things off."

Eight-year-old Charlie from Whitchurch helps his parents care for younger brother Lucas, who has autism.

His mother Jenny said it meant Charlie "often comes second," which was "really, really difficult for anyone let alone a child that's only eight years old".

"Charlie sometimes does not get that same relationship that normal siblings do, so he has to adapt it, and he's great at adapting.

"He's the one person in the world that can make Lucas laugh the way he does," she added.

Charlie was also referred to the service by his school.

Within 24 hours, he had a home visit from team member Emily Hackworthy and soon began going to sessions.

Charlie added he loved going to the group and understood why he has extra responsibilities.

"I have to help out with Lucas quite a lot," he said.

"Sometimes I need to help a bit more compared to normal people with normal siblings, so if Lucas had his breakfast, I would clean up [after him.]"

Charlie added he often keeps an eye out for his little brother at school and supports his teachers.

"On the first day I helped him quite a bit," he said.

"But after the first week, I knew the teachers were alright with him, so I could go and play with my friends."

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