Sixteen-year-old Madeline manages household duties, cooking, and medication for her disabled mother and grandfather while studying to become a paediatric doctor. Her experience reflects that of an estimated 170,000 UK youths aged five to 17 carrying unpaid domestic burdens. Dedicated respite groups, such as the Children in Need-backed Bridgend Carers' Centre, offer essential relief to alleviate these pressures. The Welsh government is now addressing these challenges through an updated national strategy designed alongside councils and support networks.
Key points
Carers Trust warns that existing census counts represent merely the tip of the iceberg fo…: Carers Trust warns that existing census counts represent merely the tip of the iceberg for youth carers.
Social isolation and mental exhaustion frequently emerge when young people balance heavy…: Social isolation and mental exhaustion frequently emerge when young people balance heavy domestic care with their studies.
Wales is releasing an updated National Strategy for Unpaid Carers this month with specifi…: Wales is releasing an updated National Strategy for Unpaid Carers this month with specific protections for youth education.
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A young carer says she feels burnt out, and forgotten about by friends as she takes on extra tasks at home.
Madeline, 16, from Bridgend, cares for her mum and granddad, a role she says she is happy to do.
But she has said people do not always understand its mental impact, and believes both formal and informal support is "crucial" to young people.
She is one of an estimated 170,000 young carers in the UK aged five to 17, but the Carers Trust calls that number the "tip of the iceberg", external.
The Welsh government said its latest strategy, which is expected to be published this month, had a particular focus on young carers and recognises their contributions.
Madeline, also known as Min, is one of 8,200 young carers in Wales. The 2021 census said there were about 120,000 young carers in England and 42,000 in Scotland.
She is still at school and hopes to be a paediatric doctor one day.
"For me, being a young carer involves helping my mum get up in the mornings, making…
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