In England, an estimated 175,000 young carers support family members with health problems and disabilities. In the national consultation, which preceded the strategy, young carers said they valued and wanted to protect their caring roles, but they also wanted lives of their own and said they were worried about the future. Many experienced discrimination and bullying, difficulties and lack of understanding at school and poor support from local authorities. Most young people feared a possible break-up of the family if they demanded more support.
The young carers we met were overwhelmingly positive about caring. They valued their role in the family but they often felt under-valued and unappreciated. They also had very clear views about what would make their lives easier.
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