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Young Carers

Part of the series School Matters, from the Teachers TV video archive.

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Screen capture from Young Carers

Summary

Hear powerful personal stories from some of Britain's 175,000 young carers, who look after relatives battling illness and addiction, in this video for headteachers and teachers, linked with the Every Child Matters agenda.

The childhoods of these young carers are too often cut short as they feed, wash and cope with the mood swings of those they care for. Their education can also suffer as many miss school and fall behind with work in their reluctance to leave sick loved ones at home.

This video highlights what remains largely a hidden issue, as child carers describe the hardships they face at home and how difficult this can make coping at school.

Related links (3)

Young Carers Initiative
The site for young carers, their families and those who work to support them across the UK
Young Carers Research Group - Loughborough University
University of Loughborough's specialist unit for those wanting an academic perspective on young carers and issues affecting them
TeacherNet: Helping schools to be in tune with young carers
Suite of archived pages particularly helpful with further information, local contacts and how to identify a young carer who may be concealing what they do
  • Duration: 30 mins
  • No Subtitles
  • Published: 18 October 2006