Its survey of more than 1,300 young people found 12 per cent of seven- to 19-year-olds were looking after someone with an illness, disability or health problem. This corresponds to more than one million people whereas the last census put the figure at around 225,000.
"We always suspected that the census under-represented the situation as so many young people and parents keep their difficulties secret," said Alex Fox, the organisation's young carers' co-ordinator. "There needs to be more awareness of the problem among local authorities."
Fox saw a danger that children's trusts, while strengthening links between children's services, could widen the gap with adult care. As it was often impossible to separate the needs of parents and children, he said it was vital for these services to work together.
"Often, professionals working with adults with health problems haven't asked 'do you have children?' or 'how can we support you as a parent?'," said Fox. He added that it was vital for adult community services to consider child carers, "or you are ignoring what might be the most important part of a person's life".
Andrew Sinfield, aged 17, has been caring for his mother for seven years.
He said it would be good if young carers got support as a matter of course.
He heard about Carers Bromley through a neighbour and said it offered much needed support. "My mum has a colostomy bag and is fed through a tube. She gets worn out easily. The hardest part is not knowing how things are going and things change daily," he said.
Today, 1 September, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers launches a site for young carers and professionals. There is a chat-room and two support workers will answer questions by email.
- www.youngcarers.net.
