James

My name is James and I am 13 years old. In my spare time I like to get creative and make jewellery, music, play the keyboard and rollerblade! 

I care for my mum and my younger brother who have different needs. My mum suffers with loads of different conditions which leaves her in a lot of pain and unable to move properly. Because of this I have to help tidy and do stuff around the house and sometimes my mums partner has to stay home to help her when we are at school. My brother has autism and often has meltdowns. When he does we all try to help calm him down but if mum is in too much pain me and my sister have to look after him and make sure he is okay. 

I became a young carer in 2017 when my mum had a fall and broke her neck and was referred into Gloucestershire young carers when I was in secondary school. 

Each day is different but some days I can’t do anything because my mum can’t take me anywhere. I have to sit and help my mum if she isn’t doing well and make sure she is okay. I am also late to school sometimes if my mum is in too much pain and I need to help and it takes longer to get in the car. 

I sometimes get in trouble at school for being late too many times and also for not doing some of my homework if I am having to do a lot in the house. 

Since being with Gloucestershire Young Carers I have been able to go on lots of trips and activities and meet other young carers who are similar to me. I even met my best friend Kaleb on a GYC trip! 

EMILY

I’m Emily and I am 14 and going into year 10 in September. 

Me and my brother James care for my mum and younger brother. My mum has mental and physical disabilities such as Fibromyalgia and herniated disks and my little brother has autism. 

My mum struggles to do usual activities as well as others as she is legally disabled. My brother is constantly fighting with my family and shouting all the time which is more difficult when mum is in a lot of pain. 

I do a lot of chores around the house and help my brother get ready for school if mum is unable to and make lots of cups of tea for everyone! 

I was about 7 when my mum broke her neck but wasn’t identified as a young carer until I was in year 8. I was identified by my old young carers lead who also used to put on loads of amazing groups and support for all the young carers in school. 

I have a lot of responsibilities for someone my age and this gets to me sometimes. I then struggle to do my homework or go out and see my friends if I am having a bad day and feel bad. It is hard to get everything I need to get done in a day and this makes me constantly worry about everything.