Young carers are children or young people who take a significant role in caring for a family member.
Children in Wales has been involved with the young carers field since 2002, when we were invited to join the Welsh Government's Carers Strategy Advisory group. As part of this group we looked at how young carers could be actively engaged in the Carers Strategy.
Children in Wales believes that work to support young carers is vital, as these young people are often hidden. Young carers may not recognise that their role within the family is different to other children and young people, but they often carry significant physical and psychological burdens. Young carers often have little or no “me time” and can appear to lose their childhood.