THEY are an army of unsung heroes whose love for family means they go above and beyond.
But more than half of Britain’s young carers – many of them still school age – never get a break.
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New statistics released today by the Carers Trust also show that half are missing out on friendships while 19 percent felt they were missing out on education.
Today, on Young Carers Action Day, the charity is calling for the Government to plough more cash into projects which help give caring kids the respite they need.
Scarlett Emery is just 12 but helps care for her disabled triplet brothers who are three years younger.
Scarlett, from Dorset, helps dad Rob look after Harvey, Daniel and Gabriel, who all have profound cerebral palsy, and her mum Chantel, who was left paraplegic following a car accident.
Scarlett said: “My brothers are non verbal but I can communicate with them, I know what they want. I’m so protective of them and I’m close to each one.
“Sometimes, just as I’m going off to sleep, I’ve instinctively felt that Harvey is having a seizure and gone to check on him.”
Her parents Rob and Chantel, 44, call her ‘the triplet whisperer’ because she can calm them in a way no one else can and the youngster also helps around the house, watching dishes, cleaning showers and sometimes making dinner.
She said: “ I don’t think I’d be the same person if I didn’t have them in my life. I would be less empathetic and compassionate.’
Scarlett is one of the lucky young carers who is able to get a break through Julia’s House, a children’s hospice in Dorset, where she is able to attend sibling events, residential camps and days out.
Dad Rob, 47, said: “It’s a lifeline for her.”
Like many hospices and charity organisations, Julia’s House relies mostly on charitable donations, with just 10 per cent Government funding.
Scarlett said: “The Government has the money to make a big difference and should be acting more responsibly.”
According to the Carers Trust, 57 per cent of youngsters helping to look after others aren’t getting the breaks they need.
At least 16,000 young carers in Britain – some as young as five – are spending 50 hours a week or more on the ‘job’
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Fifteen-year-old Florence Richardson from Devon feels so passionate about the issue that she has her sights set on becoming a politician.
She helps care for younger sister Bessie, 13, who is non-verbal autistic and has drug-resistant epilepsy.
Florence said: “Bessie has seizures that can make you feel quite helpless.
“When she’s having a seizure I help put her onto the sofa, I put a cushion behind her, a blanket over her and I hold her hand. I recognise the signs that she is about to have a seizure- such as blinking or fumbling around.
“It can be distressing watching her and I worry about her when I’m at school.
I want to be a politician – I want our voices to be heard
Young carer Florence Richardson
‘I’m trained in level 4 Makaton (a communication system that uses signs and symbols as well as speech). I’m constantly interpreting for her and my mum and I helped set up a Makaton choir where we sing and sign pop songs. The choir is a community of people with learning disabilities and carers.”
Florence, who attends a Young Carers Festival, added: “I want to be a politician to make life better for people who are just about managing, who don’t have the time or energy to advocate for the right support.
“I want to get our voices heard.”
Ten-year-old Ollie Ridley became a carer, aged five, and has launched his own woodwork business to help disabled mum Millie, 45.
Millie has multiple health conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, anxiety and depression. She has been hospitalised twice with sepsis and also pneumonia.
Ollie, of Cheshire, started his own woodwork business, Elwood Forest Carpentry, 18 months ago, making bird feeders, plant pots, door signs and gift boxes to help his mum out with money.
He said: “I help look after mum – sometimes I help her get dressed, I get her medications, cold flannel, cold drinks, walking stick. I remind her of things – I tell her: ‘I’m basically your brain!’
“I recognise the signs when she may collapse, check her temperature and get her cold drinks even when she doesn’t realise she needs one.
“I want to make money to help mum because she needs it. I don’t want her to struggle to pay for things. I offer to give mum my money but she always declines.
‘I like having my own woodwork business because I enjoy making things and making people happy and making money. I’ve made £620 so far. I enjoy doing things outside and making new friends. I keep track of my money using the GoHenry app.’
Ollie has a very clear message for the Government. “I deserve my free time –children like me shouldn’t be carers. The Government must do more to help disabled families.”
Carers Trust is calling on the UK Government to ensure all young carers have access to a properly funded break from their roles.
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CEO Kirsty McHugh said: “Across the UK, children as young as five are spending huge amounts of their free time caring for others.
“We know this can have a devastating effect on their education, wellbeing and future prospects. It is simply wrong that, as a country, we are asking so many children to take on so much.
“Those in power need to give young carers a break.”
The Sun’s Give It Back campaign has long been demanding better support and services for families and special educational needs children.
To find your nearest local carer organisation for advice and support, visit carers.org
