'Shining the light' on young carers in South East

For many young people across the South East, their focus revolves around school, homework, catching up with friends and enjoying interests and hobbies.

However, some face the extra responsibility of caring for a family member who has a health condition or living with a disability.

Billy, 14, from Gravesend in Kent, looks after his older brother Henry, who has autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and a sleeping and eating disorder.

His mother Natalie told the BBC: "I feel guilty sometimes because Billy doesn't have a child's life. He doesn't go out with his friends because he wants to stay home and help me."

Billy was eight years old when he started looking after Henry.

He said initially he found the extra responsibilities "tough".

"I struggled to keep up with homework as well, but I can now manage the different tasks," he added.

"When I come home from school, I look after Henry. I cook his food, do the washing and I wait for mum as she returns late from work."

On Saturdays, Billy tidies the rooms, maintains the front and back gardens and does the shopping.

Natalie, who is a single parent, said: "I don't ask Billy to do the tasks, he takes them on himself."

Billy was a recipient of the Community Hero Award at the Gravesham Civic and Community Awards 2025 in May.

He is also a member of the Shadow Youth Board and the Young Carer National Voice and he advocates passionately for more support and recognition of young carers.

Even though Billy has taken on care responsibilities, he finds time to engage in his own hobbies such as growing tomatoes and playing rugby and basketball.

"When I grow up, I want to be a PE teacher or a police officer," he said.

Fifteen-year-old Oliver from Eastbourne in East Sussex is the sole carer for his mother Wendy, who has a pacemaker and a mechanical heart valve and takes special medication for her condition.

Oliver was a recipient of BBC's Make A Difference Award last year. While he was recognised for his dedication, he admitted the extra responsibilities are "challenging" at times.

"Mum is proud of me. We get through it together and we support each other," Oliver said.

Oliver was eight years old when he saved his mother's life by contacting 999 after she collapsed in the middle of the night.

He told Radio Sussex that at the time he was dealing with the situation, fear had not crossed his mind.

"Looking back it was scary," he said.

"Mum does feel guilty some times with me looking after her, but I try to let her care for me when she can."

Rosie Lowman, service manager for East Sussex charity Care for the Carers, said it has received an increasing number of referrals for young carers from ages five to 17.

According to the charity, there are about 8,000 young carers in the county.

To support the youngsters, it has launched a fundraising appeal to keep its Young Carers Groups running.

According to Action For Children, eight out of 10 young carers feel lonely during summer holidays.

"While many young people look forward to a summer break young carers could face an increase in their caring role and as a result they feel more isolated from their peers," Ms Lowman said.

"We want to use Carers Week (9-15 June) to shine the light on young carers and how important respite is for them."

Oliver said support groups are vital so young carers "do not feel alone".

"It's crucial every young carer gets the same opportunities as other young people," Oliver added.

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