Manchester Carers Centre were shocked to read the findings from the first ever inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Young and Young Adult Carers has revealed the devastating impact caring has on the life opportunities of the UK’s young people.
The inquiry was led by Duncan Baker MP, and supported by a group of 11 youth advisors (including 2 inquiry co-chairs) from across England, the APPG’s chair, Paul Blomfield MP and the Carers Trust. The inquiry lays bare the challenges facing an estimated one million young carers and many more young adult carers across the UK.
The inquiry started over five months ago and has heard powerful evidence from over 70 organisations/stakeholders and more than 400 young carers and young adult carers.
The inquiry received alarming evidence showing 15,000 children, including 3,000 aged just five to nine, spend 50 hours or more a week looking after someone because of an illness, disability or addiction.
Report findings
- Some young carers have to wait 10 years before being identified and the average waiting time to be identified for support was three years.
- Being a young carer has a knock-on effect on school attainment and attendance, with young carers missing 27 school days per year on average.
- Young adult carers are substantially (38%) less likely to achieve a university degree than their peers without a caring role. Those caring for 35 or more hours a week are 86% less likely.
- Young adult carers are less likely to be employed than their peers without a caring role.
- Young people with caring responsibilities have a higher prevalence of self-harm. Of children who do self-harm, young carers are twice as likely to attempt to take their own life than non-carers.
Read the full report here
If you are a Young Carer or a Young Adult Carer reading this remember that there are support services our there that can help you!
Manchester Carers Centre offer a tailored support service for 16-25 year old Carers living or caring in Manchester. We offer a range of practical and emotional support to help you in your caring role, support your ongoing development, and develop your life skills. If you are interested in finding out more about the service you can reach us on admin@manchestercarers.org.uk or call us on 0161 27 27 27 0
