Post by Carer on Aug 27, 2006 15:45:39 GMT 1
Caring For The Child Carers
By Jane Elliott - BBC News Online health staff
The UK has just over one million children caring for relatives unable to look after themselves.
Washing, cleaning, helping around the house and caring for younger siblings, the children take on the unpaid role of carer.
Jonathan and Christopher Williams help their mother Lesley, who has had multiple sclerosis for the last 18 years.
Lesley admits that without the help of her 12 and 10-year-old sons she would probably not be able to remain at home.
"They are ever so good. They make their beds, they help me with my medication and they make my life much easier.
"They do things like take the plastic bin out of the dustbin. I just can't do it I am not strong enough.
"They are more mature than many boys their age.
"They do have their up and down days, but most of the time they want to help. I am very proud of them."
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Children like Christopher and Dean are part of a hidden army of carers whose work saves the Treasury an estimated £57bn a year.
But who cares for the children?
The Barnardo's charity runs the Indigo Project Young Carers Service, based in Ilford, in Essex near to where the Williams family live. It offers individual and group support to child carers.
It ensures that the children get support and help to ensure their development is not adversely affected by their role as carer.
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Full Story:
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3720790.stm
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Share your comments on this article below.
By Jane Elliott - BBC News Online health staff
The UK has just over one million children caring for relatives unable to look after themselves.
Washing, cleaning, helping around the house and caring for younger siblings, the children take on the unpaid role of carer.
Jonathan and Christopher Williams help their mother Lesley, who has had multiple sclerosis for the last 18 years.
Lesley admits that without the help of her 12 and 10-year-old sons she would probably not be able to remain at home.
"They are ever so good. They make their beds, they help me with my medication and they make my life much easier.
"They do things like take the plastic bin out of the dustbin. I just can't do it I am not strong enough.
"They are more mature than many boys their age.
"They do have their up and down days, but most of the time they want to help. I am very proud of them."
----------------------------------------------------
Children like Christopher and Dean are part of a hidden army of carers whose work saves the Treasury an estimated £57bn a year.
But who cares for the children?
The Barnardo's charity runs the Indigo Project Young Carers Service, based in Ilford, in Essex near to where the Williams family live. It offers individual and group support to child carers.
It ensures that the children get support and help to ensure their development is not adversely affected by their role as carer.
--------------------------------------------
Full Story:
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3720790.stm
---------------------------------------------
Share your comments on this article below.
