Meet Jed - Featuring in The ITV TONIGHT Programme
broadcasting ON 26th October, 8.30pm
Young Carer Jed
Jed, 13 from Milton Keynes, is the primary carer for his Mum Hindy. His two older sisters moved away and Hindy relies on him for day-to-day life. She has long covid and suffers with multiple disabilities including Guillian Barre Syndrome, mobility issues and seizures. On bad days she can struggle to get out of bed due to her condition. Jed is her first port of call and her lifeline. From cooking an amazing spaghetti bolognese from scratch, cleaning, changing his Mum’s socks, grocery shopping, to doing the laundry, he’s an incredible young man!
He has really struggled after experiencing some of Mum’s seizures, sometimes becoming very anxious and scared for her, losing his confidence and worrying frequently. He even messages her throughout the school day to check she is ok!
Jed has been receiving Honeypot’s support for many years, attending multiple Respite Breaks in Hampshire. He learnt to skateboard with the Honeypot team on his first break, getting a certificate for ‘Superb Skater!’. He has been practicing ever since!
Or to the Theme Park, taking on the biggest rollercoasters!
He also attended Memory Making Days, most recently to the Countryside with his new friends! Look at those smiles!
He’s grown in confidence and made lots of friends with similar experiences to him. As well as this, he has attended many online workshops post school and on the weekends, plus received support through the Wellbeing Fund. He loves playing video games 'but' didn't have 'the' space because his room is fairly small, so he applied for a cabin bed and chair. He can now do his homework below the bed in his new found space, plus, conquer his video games in his bedroom!
itn The Tonight programme
Ronke Phillips, ITV Senior Correspondent reached out to Honeypot back in April 2023, after finding out more about young carers responsibilities.
“It got me thinking about other families in similar circumstances. It is an issue which deserves more attention, as I am sure there is not enough help and support.”
After many months of hardwork between Honeypot and ITN, plus other young carer organisations this Thursday at 8.30pm, Young Carers: A Hidden Crisis - Tonight is live on ITV! You’ll get to see Jed at home with Mum Hindy and all the amazing things he does as a young carer, plus an appearance from our amazing CEO Simmi Woodwal and other insights into the many hidden young cares in the UK.
Ronke interviews Jed at his local skate park, we hope you get to see some of his skills!
Ronke Phillips, ITV Senior Correspondent, Mei Leng, ITN Producer, Hindy (Jeds’ Mum)
Mark Napier, ITN Director, Jed, Hindy.
How you can help?
We hope the documentary raises awareness for the many hidden young carers in the UK, if you would like to refer a young carer get in touch with our Operations team.
Or if you’d like to help Honeypot help more young carers like Jed to grow in confidence, make friends and happy memories please get in touch. We have many fulfilling volunteering opportunities, events and ideas you can get involved with to make a difference and create happy memories and brighter futures for young carers.
