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Growing Up As A Young Carer

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A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who cares for someone they know, be it a family member, friend, neighbour or just some random person they know, that has an illness, disablity or addication.

Growing up in a small town with only my mum, dad, younger brother and two cats for company was hard. The thing that made it easier was looking after my mum. She has a physical disability and severe depression, meaning I had to help her around the house and looking after my younger brother, who has autism and Aspergures Syndrome, while dad was out at work. I know many of you will read this and go "Why is the kid doing the work? Surely there must be other family members around to help?". Well that's the problem, we lived in a different town …show more content…
I see it as the best thing that has ever happened to me. Growing up, I didn't have any friends, so being my mums carer gave my life a purpose. I loved it. I loved knowing that I was needed, that mum needed me around to help her. It was the best feeling in the world, and still is even though I now live with my best friend in a different …show more content…
Years later, through various young carers organisations, festivals and other things, I have made so many friends, and heard so many stories (heart-breaking stories, but inspiriring!) The young carers organisations that supported me made sure I got the support I needed, and if I didn't have them I know I wouldn't have coped.

Young carers are a hidden minority within not just our society, but many societies around this little rock. But this small minority of young people are some of the most unique, amazing and truly inspiring people! Every year in Scotland there is a Scottish Young Carer's Festival and the atmosphere, be it sunshine or raining (Which it did, a lot... It is Scotland after all!), these young people always walked around with a smile on their face. Because they knew that they weren't alone. That they were not the only young carer.

I am writing this article in hope that my message reaches across to the little kid, sat in his bedroom in tears, feeling alone and without help. My message to that little kid is, you are not alone. Please, go to your school, your politician, anyone, and say "I am a young carer, and I know I am not alone". Be proud of who you are!

We are young carers, and we are proud of

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