Rochdale has higher proportion of young carers than any other Greater Manchester authority

Carers Trust

New survey results that have been published to mark Young Carers Day (28 January) reveal up to 80% of young carers are missing out on their childhoods because they are caring for family and friends, according to research carried out by Carers Trust, the UK’s largest charity for carers.

There are over 6,000 young carers in the Borough of Rochdale, children and young adults who are missing out in many ways because of the responsibilities of looking after a family member. Numbers continue to rise with Rochdale Borough having a higher proportion of young carers than any other Greater Manchester authority however Rochdale Borough Council is cutting the budget for their much-needed support for the second year running.

One local charity is calling for statutory stakeholders in Rochdale Borough to come together to find a funding solution.

Paul Parlby, CEO of Carers Trust in Greater Manchester, which provides support to carers at home, says: “Young carers often sacrifice their education, hobbies, social life, friends and a normal childhood for their caring role. Many are not receiving the support they desperately need and those who do receive one to one or family support are likely to have it taken away from them if the proposed cuts for this year go ahead.

“Funding is undoubtedly a challenge, but I am urging Rochdale to think differently, as other areas do, and adopt a multi agency approach, rather than its traditional one source funding stream.”

Results from Carers Trust’s new survey reveal:

• 80% of young carers say they are missing out on what other children their age are doing because of their caring role;
• 82% said they are missing out on seeing friends - 60% said they miss attending events and other activities and 45% struggle to get their homework done on time;
• 80% are carrying out their caring role every day; 
• 50% are helping to administer medicines to family members;
• Almost a quarter of those surveyed are caring for more than 20 hours a week;
• 41% are helping with personal care, such as washing and helping the person they care for to get dressed.
• More than 60% of those surveyed are cleaning, shopping, cooking and looking after a brother or sister;

Advice and support for young carers is available by contacting 01706 515740, email rochdaleyoungcarers@gmcarerstrust.co.uk or visit gmcarerstrust.co.uk