Authors improving awareness for young carers
In recent statistics, 39% of young carers said that nobody in their school was aware of their caring responsibilities*. The visibility of young carers in the community is improving, however many feel there is more that can be done. The important role young carers play can go unnoticed, putting their education, training or health at risk, and preventing them from enjoying their childhood in the same way as other children.
In a recent interview between Honeypot and the parent of a young carer, this was highlighted.
“There needs to be much more awareness and education in schools, even for teachers, people may be scared to ask, but we need to otherwise we won’t get anywhere. In secondary school, Kirstie needed the extra time to do her homework, the pressure is a lot more intense and it was very difficult.”
Many writers are seeing the need for more visibility for young carers. We spoke to writer Rab Ferguson who explained the need for more resources. When working as a Young People's Manager for a mental health charity, Rab worked with lots of young carers, and found the limited number of children's books featuring very frustrating - so he wrote one himself.
Rab Ferguson - The Late Crew
Tyler has a busy time looking after both his Mum who has a chronic health condition and his younger brother who is autistic. Follow the journey as Tyler and his friends are caught in detention when a spaceship crashes into the school. A story about what it means to be a true hero - whether you're fighting aliens, or just trying to help the ones you love.
“It’s full of love, grit and determination! I thought it was a very clever way to let young carers who are reading the book and may be in similar circumstances be able to gain support and see the recognition and value of what they do.”
Author Kerry Gibb is also trying to increase awareness for young carers. She wanted to write a book young carers can enjoy and feel represented in, while also improving their understanding of what life is like for young carers.
Kerry Gibb – The Elephant Squad
Follow The Elephant Squad, four children experiencing a more complicated childhood than most. Three of the children readily join the group but one doubts the validity of his role as a carer and tries to deal with the stress alone. The Elephant Squad stick together, helping each other to experience things other children may take for granted. Follow the story of solidarity and friendship.
““It is so relatable to young carers. But also, for other children who may want to better understand what it feels like to be a young carer. A great read that really strikes a chord about the responsibilities these children face and it was very moving in parts, albeit written in a lovely warm, and humorous way.””
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The Adult Social Care Reform White Paper for the Department for Education has made schools include a census category on young carers, ensuring schools have to report on the number of pupils they are aware of with caring responsibilities outside of school. We look forward to seeing more services and reforms to help young carers.
We have bookshelves in both our Honeypot houses. Many of the young carers bring a book home if they haven’t finished reading them. If you would like to share your stories please get in touch.
Honeypot is the national charity for young carers aged five to twelve. We do not receive government funding and rely on your donations to keep running respite breaks. Please consider supporting us by making a donation, attending an event, or making us your organisation’s charity partner.
*Children’s Commissioner, 2022.