More than Just a Group

At just 16 years old, Jakob has already spent years helping to care for his mum, who lives with arthritis and other health conditions.  

Although he officially became involved with Young Carers services following an assessment, Jakob says his caring responsibilities started long before that. 

“When I was younger, I did little bits because I couldn’t really do as much as I can do now.”  

Like many young carers, supporting his family gradually became part of everyday life. 

Taking on responsibilities at home 

Jakob’s caring role involves helping his mum with household tasks that can be difficult because of her health conditions.  

He helps with cleaning, tidying, looking after his younger brother and sometimes cooking dinner for the family. 

“So mum can’t get up as much as normal people could. So I have to help out, cleaning up. Sometimes I cook dinner.”  

While these responsibilities have become a normal part of life, they represent a level of responsibility many young people of the same age do not experience. 

More than people realise 

One thing Jakob wishes more people understood is the amount of responsibility young carers manage behind the scenes. 

“They don’t see the amount of stuff that people like me and most of the other young carers go through.”  

He recognises that many young carers play a significant role in helping to keep their households running. 

“Most of the kids I know that aren’t young carers chill out in their room all day. But most of the young carers I’ve met help run the house, help out with parents or siblings and stuff.”  

Because so much of this support happens at home, it often goes unnoticed by others. 

Finding people who understand 

For Jakob, one of the most important parts of being involved with Young Carers services is meeting others who understand what life as a young carer is really like. 

“It means a lot because you meet people that are kind of in a similar boat.”  

Being around people with similar experiences helps him feel less alone. 

“It means quite a bit because you’ve got similar things going on in their life and my life.”  

These connections remind young carers that they are not facing their challenges by themselves. 

Time to relax and recharge 

Like many young carers, Jakob says that caring responsibilities can leave very little time for himself. 

“It doesn’t leave a lot of time for myself.”  

That is why opportunities to attend activities and spend time with other young carers are so valuable. 

“It’s quite nice coming out and meeting other kids, getting a little bit of a rest.”  

Whether through activity days, group sessions or special events, having the chance to take a break, make friends and enjoy new experiences can make a real difference to a young carer’s wellbeing. 

The difference support makes 

For Jakob, support is about more than activities. It is about feeling understood. 

Meeting other young carers has given him opportunities to connect with young people who face similar challenges and responsibilities. 

Through Young Carers services, he has been able to step away from his caring role for a while, spend time with others who understand his experiences and enjoy some time for himself.  

Outcome Snapshot 

Young Carer: Jakob, 16 
Caring for: Mum with arthritis and other health conditions  
Support accessed: Young Carers groups and activities  
Impact: 

• Connected with other young carers facing similar challenges  

• Increased sense of belonging and understanding  

• Opportunities to take a break from caring responsibilities  

• Time to build friendships and social connections  

• Recognition for the important role young carers play within their families