Turning lives around:Richard and Jenny's story

Coming to Young Carers, it was a respite for me. It was a chance for me to be a kid." Jenny

Like Richard and Jenny, there are about 175,000 young carers in the UK who provide care or support to a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, or has a substance misuse problem. Young carers often take on a level of responsibility that is inappropriate to their age or development.

Barnardo’s supports young carers and families with various services to make it possible for a child just to be a child.

Help us turn lives around. Your support will make a difference to the lives of young people like Richard and Jenny across the UK.

Some carers face adult responsibilities at a very young age.

Read Raqeed's story

Raqeed is 6 years old and lives alone with his mum Adeelah who suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. With severely restricted mobility, she has difficulty in walking, dressing herself and Raqeeb, cooking, gripping items or even leaving the house.

The family was dependent on voluntary support from their local community and Raqeed was also helping with personal care for his mum. This meant that Raqeed, who is a quiet and timid young child, was socially isolated from his community and peers.

A helping hand provides much-needed support

Raqeed and his mum have now been receiving help from Barnardo's to ensure that they are getting the support and services they need. This includes applying for appropriate benefits and getting financial help to purchase clothing for Raqeed.

This has resulted in some major improvements to their lives. Raqeed's mum is now able to employ carers of her choice from her own community to help with personal care, taking Raqeed to school and mosque, shopping, and preparing and cooking meals.

The project’s ‘breaks from caring’ programme provides Raqeed with opportunities to take part in activities with children his own age, as well as giving him a break from his caring responsibilities. His project worker has also arranged for him to attend a five day summer play scheme in his local community.

Raqeed’s mum has said:

I have noticed the improvement in Raqeed’s confidence since he has been involved with Barnardo’s Action With Young Carers and being able to meet and play with other young people his own age."

With your help, Barnardo's supports young people like Raqeed and their families to get the support they need to turn their lives around.