An inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Young and Young Adult Carers has revealed the devastating impact caring has on the life opportunities of the UK’s young people.
The inquiry, which was supported by Carers Trust, lays bare the challenges facing an estimated one million young carers and many more young adult carers across the UK.
It included alarming evidence showing 15,000 children, including 3,000 aged just five to nine, spend 50 hours or more a week looking after sick or disabled family members.
“Our inquiry has heard truly concerning evidence from young carers and those who support them. Some young children spend 50 hours a week caring, while young adult carers have their chances of getting good GCSE results, going to university or getting a job drastically reduced by their caring role."
"The wildly uneven support available across the country shows an urgent need for the Government and Parliament to work together to transform the landscape."
“It’s up to all of us to give these young people a better start in life so we also need local authorities, health providers, schools, employers, and regulators to join in and help young carers."
"This is why the All-Party Parliamentary Group is calling on the Government for a national carers strategy to co-ordinate support right across the country.”
XXX Read the full report here XXX
Read the press release on the inquiry report
“This damning report, supported by Carers Trust, should be a wake-up call that young carers are being horribly let down by the system. They are facing huge disadvantages when it comes to education, job prospects and wellbeing, all because they put their loved ones first."
"As the social care system struggles to cope with demand, these young people are having to fill the gaps. Support needs to be ramped up across the board and there’s a critical need for a long-term strategy to ensure a fair future for every young carer.”