North East Young Carer Calls For More Support

28 January 2016, 14:15 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Eight out of 10 young carers - including many in the North East - are missing out on their childhood while many cannot finish homework on time, a charity has said.

The Carers Trust said children as young as 10 cannot play with friends or spend time relaxing because they are too busy looking after parents and siblings.

A poll of 360 young carers found 80% felt they were missing out because of their caring role, with 82% saying they missed seeing friends.

Some 60% missed attending events and other activities while 45% struggled to get their homework done on time.

Eight out of 10 young carers carried out caring duties every day, while 50% were responsible for handing out medicines to loved ones.

Almost a quarter of those surveyed were caring for more than 20 hours a week, and 41% were helping with personal care such as washing and dressing.

More than 60% of those surveyed were cleaning, shopping, cooking and looking after a brother or sister.

Sophie Dishman from Bedlington became a carer when she was just eleven years old and looks after five family members:

If you look after a loved one and need more help, go to www.carers.org.uk