Young carers

Action for Children has released new figures, following a survey of 23 young carers projects in May and June, which show that services supporting 1,192 young carers have had their budgets cut by up to 30%. A further 192 young carers are supported by services that have suffered budget cuts of 40% or more.

The charity is using Carers Week to demand that the government and councils do not ignore the plight of young carers. An estimated 700,000 children and young people have caring responsibilities for a family member. Action for Children says it fears young carers are facing increased feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety, and being a carer is known to affect young people’s physical and mental health, as well as their later life chances.