1. Young people looking after a disabled parent or sibling don't generally stick labels on themselves saying, "I am a young carer". They just step in, and do what they think needs doing. They may do household chores, look after younger children, run errands, fill out prescriptions, administer medication, or help with personal care including toilet visits. A large proportion say they provide emotional support. Young carers might be any age, from primary school age onward. Many have responsibilities lasting years.
2. Young carers were in the news recently when a coroner's inquest revealed that Deanne Asamoah overdosed on her mother's morphine tablets. She died three days after her 13th birthday, having looked after her mother since she was nine. The Princess Royal Trust for Carers followed up media interest by highlighting the fact that the two main sources of funding for young carers' services are due to run out next March.
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