Claire is a Young Carer. She is now 18 and has been supporting her mum for many years.

Claire was referred into the Young Carers Service in 2020 when she was 16. She has been supporting her mum with complex health needs including fibromyalgia, arthritis, anxiety and depression. Claire’s mum is in pain and her mobility is affected. Claire also has two younger siblings.

Our Young Carers Support Worker referred Claire’s mum on to occupational therapy so that she could get some equipment and rails at home. 

Claire met with her support worker in college and started to open up about her feelings. She needed emotional support, and someone to listen to her. Someone to make time for her as a young carer. She said someone listening to her made a big difference. Over several months of support, Claire gained confidence and spoke about her feelings and her hopes for the future.

Eventually, Claire said that she didn’t want to care for her mum anymore and wanted to be more independent. Now 18, with the support of her dad, she has found a small house that she has moved into. Claire proudly showed her support worker her new house and was excited and happy about the changes.

Claire continues to attend college and is no longer caring for her mum. She is happy and continues to thrive.

 

We're proud to be supporting Young Carers Action Day 2023.

Find out more about how you can get involved: Carers.org/YCAD