A programme looking at the pressures Young Carers face

‘A thoughtful and well made programme used regularly in School assemblies ….always gets a discussion moving.'

‘ A programme that always gets groups talking … the inclusion of an Asian family has helped us break down cultural barriers, encouraging others to come forward and be included in our group'

Maxine Kennedy, Spurgeons, Wolverhampton Carers

‘An excellent programme not only used by us as part of our awareness campaign but also by local schools to support PHSE sessions and Health & Social Care for Year 10's'

Alison Perry, Wiltshire Young Carers

‘ A very useful tape which we use as part of our NVQ training for nurses and health care workers. The feedback from trainees is always positive….useful and informative material'

Karen White, Knowsley Young Carers

‘Who Cares has been particularly useful in the training we provide for our senior young carers and is used to open debate on the issues many of them will have to cope with.'

Julie Mailey, Halton Young Carers

In the UK there are over 50,000 Young Carers aged between 4 and 18 undertaking a caring role at home for disabled or ill relatives. Young Carers were identified in the Quality Protects Framework for Action Guidance as potential ‘children in need' as the extra responsibilities they have impact on their physical, emotional and social development and deny them the same opportunities as other children .

Working with the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Alpha Films developed ‘Who Cares..?' a resource that provides an insight into the role and problems facing Young Carers. The programme concludes with an Action Plan outlining simple ideas that could be put into practice to provide support for Young Carers. The programme was developed with flexibility in mind and can be used in many ways. For example, Sections 1 & 2 to support PHSE sessions looking at disability issues, relationships, facing challenges etc or screening all 3 sections to support teacher training days.

The programme is divided into 3 sections:

Section 1 (11 minutes) – a case study

A typical day for 14 year old Young Carer Lee and his 12 year old sister Katherine who look after their mother Amanda, suffering from Lupus, and provide support for their 4 year old brother Aaron.

Section 2 (6 minutes) – the problems facing Young Carers

Includes clips from Lee, Katherine and Amanda plus contributions from two other Young Carers – 9 year old Gurdis and 12 year old Gurdat.

Section 3 (2 minutes) ACTION PLAN

Ideas that primarily schools could consider adopting to provide additional support.

Includes a set of presenter notes that provide additional information, a suggested presentation approach and ideas to stimulate discussion.