A-level results day: Jordyn’s journey to studying Sociology at Southampton
Jordyn is 19 and has been the sole carer for their dad for the past 12 years, as well as for their mum for the past year.
Both mum and dad live with several different physical and mental health conditions. Jordyn, being the only child still at home, has to help them with getting dressed, taking medication, making meals and providing emotional support on a daily basis.
With so much responsibility on Jordyn’s shoulders, it’s been far from easy for Jordyn to concentrate on revising for A-level exams.
Jordyn said: “It’s been very stressful revising while having to care for them. Because I have to help mum and dad with so many tasks throughout the day, I find myself really tired by the time I have any time to myself. It’s not only a physical thing of helping mum and dad, it’s an emotional thing too.”
“I felt really guilty applying for uni. Both my parents said they’ll cope without me; but it took a lot of convincing from them. I felt guilty applying because, who’s going to do it when I’m not around?”
The past few years have been incredibly tough for Jordyn. They started their first year of college but ended up having to take some time out for their mental health, meaning A-levels have taken them three years to complete, rather than two.
Jordyn said: “I’d be happy with anything that isn’t a fail at this point, considering what’s happened. It’s been a long and hard three years, and my friends haven’t had the same circumstances as me.
I know that they’ll be really supportive, but it might be hard hearing that they’ve done really well and I might not have got the grades that I want.”
However, this morning Jordyn was thrilled to find out they’ve been accepted into their first choice, the University of Southampton, to study Sociology.
Through Jordyn’s work as part of Carers Trust’s Youth Advisory Panel, they’re keen to pursue a career in the social care sector. So this is a significant milestone on Jordyn’s journey towards that goal.
Find out more about the work we do to support young adult carers in transition from school to university or employment – visit our Young Carers Futures hub.
If you would you to help us support more carers like Jordyn you can donate to Carers Trust,
