MPs show support for young carers and their families

12.00.00am GMT Tue 22nd Feb 2005

Young Carers visit Westminster to promote EDM 539

Annette Brooke hosted a group of young carers at meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Children this week, where young carers from across England were able to discuss what work they undertake in their family, what additional support they need and how the government can help.

Young carers are children and young people who have a caring responsibility for someone in their family who has a physical or mental illness, a disability, or a substance misuse problem. They take on caring responsibilities that are inappropriate to their age, such as personal care for a disabled adult or emotional care for a parent with a mental health problem. In addition, they are often also responsible for younger siblings and all the household chores. The 2001 census found that 175 000 of the UK's 5.8 million carers were under 18.

Annette said: "This was a unique opportunity to meet some amazing young people who make incredible personal sacrifices everyday of their lives. Today these young people and their families have sent us a clear message that the needs both parents and children must be fully assessed to prevent children having to take on inappropriate caring roles."

Young carers from three different projects in England spoke up about their experiences; issues that particularly affect them; and ideas on how to make their lives better. They were supported by three charities who have come together to issue a joint position statement on this issue: The Children's Society Young Carers' Initiative, the Disabled Parents' Network, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Early Day Motion 539 tabled by Annette Brooke MP calls for a more preventative, whole-family approach to supporting young carers and so far has gained support from over 90 MPs.