Cleaning, cooking and raising a five year old may sound like the duties of a responsible parent, but for twelve year old Becky Whitehead it's all in a days work. Becky is one of an estimated 175,000 young carers in the country, who juggle household responsibilities with a busy school life - often at the expense of leisure time. Becky's mum Maureen suffers from severe arthritis. Mobility is extremely difficult for her and heavy lifting almost impossible. Although social services provide some support for the family, it is down to Becky to fill in the gaps and the majority of household chores are her responsibility. It is a situation echoed across thousands of homes in Britain and it is estimated that the work of young carers saves the government £57 billion pounds. Maureen suffers from severe arthritis and relies on daughter Becky's help. It is not only Maureen who Becky cares for, but her younger sister too. Five year old Bethany was born with a cyst on her brain which has left her with severe learning difficulties and epilepsy. "Becky is a second mum to Bethany," explains Maureen. "Sometimes she (Becky) cares for me, sometimes I care for her. It's a funny relationship, but it works." Much of Becky's free time on evenings and weekends is spent looking after her family. For some young carers making and sustaining friendships can be hard, but Becky is lucky - her friends are extremely supportive. "She is strong minded and really loving and patient," says one of Becky's school friends. "She is really good at what she does." And it's not just Becky's friends who recognise her achievements. Lin Thatcher runs one of many country wide support groups for young carers. "I feel really lucky to work with them," reveals Lin. "A lot of adults would struggle to cope with the responsibility they have." In recognition for the work of young carers across the country, a Young Carers Festival is held in July. For Becky it is a chance to swap experiences, worries and concerns with other young carers and time for some well deserved respite. Whilst Becky is overjoyed to be able to enjoy typical 12 year old pursuits for the weekend, others reflect on some of the drawbacks the added responsibility can bring. "We have to mature faster and we don't have time for ourselves," says one young carer at the festival. The Young Carers Festival allows vital respite and a chance to share experiences and it's not just time for themselves that young carers lack, but valuable time for homework too. Becky is often tired for school and struggles to fit homework around her household chores. Lin Thatcher stresses that one of the main battles young carers face is lack of awareness. "All they're asking for is somebody to hear what they're doing," says Lin. "A lot of families wouldn't survive if they weren't doing what they do." And for Maureen back at home missing Becky, this is certainly the case. "She's a little star, we wouldn't cope without her." Hidden army of young carers Edges is grateful to the BBC for permission to publish this piece. |
