Young carers from Flintshire speak of their experience in Barnados Cymru booklet

Oct 29 2009 by Dave Goodban, Flintshire Chronicle

2,500 youngsters act as carers in Flintshire

A SCHOOLBOY who dedicates his free time to looking after his schizophrenic mum and another who cares for a grandmother with Alzheimer’s helped launch a nationwide initiative in Flintshire.

The pair are among about 2,500 young carers in the county who together have compiled a handbook aimed at health and social care professionals outlining some of the challenges thousands of children across Wales face every day.

The Barnardo’s Cymru guide was launched at Hawarden Community Centre yesterday, in conjunction with the county council.

Sarah Matthews, services manager for Barnardo’s in Flintshire, said: “It is vital that the needs of young carers are seen and addressed as well as those of the family members they care for.

“We have a shared responsibility in children’s services to make it a bright future for every young carer in our community.”

The Young Carers Handbook comprises testimonials from child and teenage carers, as well as colour illustrations that communicate the issues they face.

It is estimated about 2,500 children throughout Flintshire have caring responsibilities for an adult with a physical disability, long-term illness or mental health or substance misuse problems.

One of them is 14-year-old Tom, who cares for a mum with schizophrenia and a dad who suffers bouts of severe depression. Tom also looks after his younger siblings and his schooling is suffering as he is often tired and finds it difficult to concentrate.

Darryl, 12, lost both of his parents in an accident two years ago. His grandparents took him in but his grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s earlier this year.

Darryl now prepares most of the meals and shoulders the frequent upset of having to remind his grandma of her own name.

A recent report by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales found more than half of young carers nationwide feel they cannot cope with their responsibilities.

Yvonne Rodgers, director of Barnardo’s Cymru, said: “We need to raise the profile of young carers, who make up more than 2% of all children in Wales.

“Many young carers feel neglected and unable to cope. The services that provide support for the adult that they care for often overlook the young carer in the household.

“People who make decisions on their welfare need to understand their needs and see how difficult it can be for them to have the sort of lifestyle other children take for granted.”

Buckley councillor Carol Ellis, said: “We are committed to seeing young carers in the context of the whole family situation, as improving the support to the person with care needs can be of great benefit to the young carer and vice versa. The booklet is a real positive outcome of partnership working in Flintshire.”

Some of the children’s name have been changed to protect their identity.