"I Just Want to Be a Kid": The Untold Struggles of Young Carers and How We Can Help

Most children spend their afternoons hanging out with friends, playing sports, or trying out new hobbies. But for 1 million young carers in the UK, life looks very different. 

Take Jake, for example. At 13, his mornings start with making breakfast for his mum, who has a long-term illness. He helps his younger sister get ready for school, makes sure the house is in order, and rushes out the door, often already exhausted before the school day even begins. While his friends talk about football practice or weekend plans, Jake is worrying about whether his mum will be okay while he’s gone. 

Jake is not alone. Across the UK, young carers are juggling responsibilities beyond their years—cooking, cleaning, administering medication, and offering emotional support to their loved ones. And while they do it out of love, it comes at a cost. 

 

The Hidden Cost of Caring 

Many young carers miss out on things that seem simple to their peers—joining after-school clubs, playing sports, or just having time to relax. Not because they don’t want to, but because their responsibilities make it nearly impossible. 

🔹 91% of young carers struggle to join community activities due to caregiving duties and a lack of understanding from group leaders. 

🔹 78% of parents face logistical, financial, and awareness challenges in accessing activities for their children. 

🔹 78% of young carers miss out on key social and developmental experiences due to their responsibilities. 

 And it’s not just about missing activities. The emotional toll is heavy. Many young carers feel isolated, stressed, anxious, and exhausted—constantly torn between wanting to help their families and wishing they had the freedom to just be kids. 

 

Why Many Young Carers Stay Invisible 

 Despite their struggles, many young carers don’t ask for help. Some are embarrassed, others worry about how people will react, and many simply don’t see themselves as carers—they’re just doing what needs to be done for their families. 

  At the same time, 26% of parents say that community leaders—teachers, club organisers, and other adults—are unaware that their child is a young carer. This lack of awareness means many young carers go unnoticed, missing out on the support that could make a real difference in their lives. 

  

The Solution: Young Carer-Friendly Communities 

 At MYTIME Young Carers, we believe no young carer should have to sacrifice their childhood to care for a loved one. That’s why we’ve launched the Community Champion Programme—a nationwide initiative to ensure young carers feel seen, supported, and valued. 

🔹 57% of community leaders admit they can’t confidently identify or support young carers, highlighting a need for better training and resources. 

By training youth workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we can create a network of support that doesn’t rely on young carers to ask for help. Instead, we empower communities to identify and assist young carers before they reach a breaking point. 

 Here’s how we’re making a difference: 

✅ Training & Awareness – Helping community leaders understand the unique challenges young carers face. 

✅ Carer-Friendly Clubs & Societies – Encouraging local groups to adopt flexible policies that support young carers. 

✅ Access to Resources – Providing online and in-person training, toolkits, and direct support. 

✅ Ongoing Support & Networking – Connecting professionals and volunteers who want to make a difference. 

  

How You Can Help 

 If you’re a teacher, coach, youth worker, or simply someone who cares, you can help make your community more inclusive for young carers. Here’s how: 

  📌 Join the Community Champion Programme: 

Through tailored training and ongoing support, this programme equips community members to identify and provide meaningful support to young carers. 

👉 Email  to get a list of available training or scan QR code below to register your interest. 

📌 Read a full eye-opening report “Making Invisible Visible” here.  

Jake—and thousands of young carers like him—deserve a childhood, just like everyone else. Together, we can make sure they have the opportunities, support, and recognition they need. 

Because no child should have to choose between caring for a loved one and being a kid.