In their words

Here are some comments from some of the young people we work with:

Other people don’t understand you but they listen to me at Barnardo’s. I can talk to other young carers in the same situation as myself.

Barnardo’s is more than great, you get time off from stress.

I have been coming to the project for about three years. When I left school I went to the careers service about jobs but couldn’t take jobs that were too far away as my dad was ill and I needed to be at home with him. My Connexions advisor told me about Action with Young Carers and made an appointment for someone to come out and visit me. It’s helped by giving me a break; you get to do other things like activities. Without the project I wouldn’t go out at all except to go to college. I have someone to talk to who understands what I’m going through and can help sort out bills and his special diet. It’s hard to make friends because they don’t understand but when you come to the project you get to make friends who do understand.

I get support with most things as life is hard and it can be lonely coping on your own.

It all started when my mum and dad split up, my dad was never too well in the first place and this made it worse. I stayed living with my dad and we coped for a year. But my dad’s illnesses, ‘cos he’s got a lot, got worse. He then got diagnosed with epilepsy which made things twice as bad. He had to get rid of his car which meant he couldn’t go shopping or anything and he needed to rely on me and other people more. We got introduced to Barnardo’s Action with Young Carers and it changed my life, it’s a lot easier. For instance, they helped us get a grant for a shower which means I don’t have to sit outside the bathroom with a magazine in case he has an epileptic attack in the bath. Other good things are when you go on trips you couldn’t do before, now I sail on my own, been to Camelot theme park and lost my fear of scary rides by going on with another young carer. The staff are as good as the project. Thank you to Barnardo’s and to all the staff.

The project has really given me support, respect and just someone to talk to. I was referred to the Barnardo’s Action with Young Carers by my social worker when I was 11, I am now 16. The five years I have been at the project I have been listened to, and most of all, been shown respect. I thoroughly enjoy coming to the project. During my time here, I have had the pleasure of interviewing future members of staff, going to important conferences, so I, along with other young carers can get my point across to professionals.

I began attending Action with Young Carers at the age of 9 because my mum was disabled. While being at the project, they have really been a help. They have also helped me and my mum when we have been in difficult situations. The Barnardo’s project has also given me back a life that I wouldn’t really have had without them. They have given me breaks from looking after my mum by taking me on days out. Barnardo’s are really good because they are always there to help you.