Carrying On, Not Carrying Alone

At 20 years old, Trix balances university life with caring responsibilities that never switch off. 

They care for both their mum, who lives with fibromyalgia, and their younger brother Rowan, who has autism, anxiety and type 1 diabetes. While many people assume caring is mainly physical, for Trix, much of their role centres around emotional support. 

“It’s a lot of emotional stuff.” 

Their brother often experiences anxiety, frustration and emotional distress linked to his conditions, and Trix is one of the people he trusts most. 

“I help him a lot emotionally, trying to regulate him and seeing him through meltdowns and panic attacks.” 

Alongside providing emotional support, Trix also helps with practical aspects of managing Rowan’s diabetes, including insulin pump changes and blood glucose monitoring. 

The Caring Role Doesn’t Stop 

When Trix left home to attend the University of Chichester, their caring role didn’t stay behind. 

Even while studying, they remain a key source of support for their family. 

“If he’s distressed, he’ll call me, he’ll text me, and I’ll still help him through those emotions, even if it’s over the phone.” 

Their bond with Rowan is built on trust and understanding. 

“There are some things he’d rather tell me as a sibling than our mum or dad.” 

That trust means Trix is often the first person Rowan turns to when he is struggling. 

On one occasion, when his blood sugar rose to dangerous levels, Trix immediately travelled home to support him. 

“When he needs me, I will drop everything and I will go.” 

Like many young adult carers, Trix carefully considered their future plans around their caring responsibilities. Although they moved away to university, they chose to stay close enough to return home whenever needed. 

“I didn’t move very far because I knew I’d have to go back quite often because my brother would need me.” 

The Hidden Cost of Caring 

Caring responsibilities can affect many aspects of life, including finances. 

Regular train journeys home can be expensive, but for Trix, being there for their brother is not something they hesitate about. 

They explained how practical support from Carers Support West Sussex helped make those journeys possible. 

“The Carer Support Fund was really useful.” 

The funding gave Trix greater peace of mind, knowing they could reach home when their family needed them most. 

Finding People Who Understand 

While caring can sometimes feel overwhelming, Trix says one of the most valuable forms of support has come from meeting other young carers. 

Through Carers Support West Sussex’s Young Carers and My Future groups, they have found a community of people who understand the realities of caring without needing explanations. 

“It’s like another level. It’s on another stream of consciousness that connects us.” 

For Trix, the friendships formed through the groups are built on a shared understanding of responsibilities that many other young people may never experience. 

“Just knowing that we’re all going through a similar thing is invaluable to me.” 

Whether through regular groups, activity days or residential breaks, meeting other young carers has helped them feel less isolated and more supported. 

A Chance to Recharge 

Days like the Cobnor activity event offer something many young carers rarely experience: uninterrupted time away from their caring responsibilities. 

For Trix, having the opportunity to spend time with people who understand their situation is incredibly important. 

“The ability to have a day out, and on the residentials to be away from home for a few days, that’s brilliant.” 

The activities provide a chance to relax, build friendships and focus on their own wellbeing, knowing they are surrounded by others who understand the challenges they face. 

Looking Ahead 

Despite balancing university, family commitments and caring responsibilities, Trix remains positive about the future. 

They have successfully completed their first year at university while continuing to support their brother and family. 

Reflecting on the support they have received, Trix is clear about the difference it has made. 

“I’m so glad that I joined. It’s just helped.” 

For Trix, support is not simply about taking a break from caring. It is about knowing they are not carrying the responsibility alone. 

Outcome Snapshot 

Young Carer: Trix, 20 
Caring for: Mum with fibromyalgia and younger brother with autism, anxiety and type 1 diabetes 
Support accessed: Young Carers and My Future groups, activity days, residentials and Carer Support Fund through Carers Support West Sussex 

Impact: 

• Reduced feelings of isolation 

• Developed friendships with peers who understand caring responsibilities 

• Continued education while maintaining caring responsibilities 

• Accessed practical financial support through the Carer Support Fund 

• Improved emotional wellbeing through peer support 

• Regular opportunities for respite and self-care 

• Increased confidence in balancing caring, education and future ambitions