'I'd love a normal life, but being a 17-year-old carer means sacrifices'

Ava-Grace Britton, a 17-year-old aspiring actress in north London, dreams of a normal life, including attending university next year. However, her reality is shaped by significant caregiving responsibilities for her father, Paul, who suffers from severe mobility and memory problems following a series of strokes eight years ago.

Alongside her mother, Karen, Ava-Grace manages Paul's daily care, which includes monitoring his blood glucose levels, administering medication, and assisting with meals and household tasks. "I worry about him all the time," Ava-Grace shared. "Before I go to college I help him and most days I have to return home quickly to look after him."

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I worry about him all the time. Before I go to college I help him and most days I have to return home quickly to look after him.

She is one of many young carers in England and Wales. Official census data indicates around 130,000 individuals under 18 are carers, but the Carers Trust estimates the true number could be as high as 1 million, with an additional 500,000 aged 18 to 25. For some, these responsibilities exceed 50 hours per week, significantly impacting their social lives and academic futures.

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It turned our life upside down. Paul spent three months in hospital and in rehab. I don't know how I would cope without Ava-Grace.

Paul's health issues, stemming from a sepsis infection that led to his strokes, are further complicated by diabetes. His condition forced him to retire from his career as a borehole engineer. Ava-Grace and Karen, who runs a charity for the elderly, now provide him with full-time care. "It turned our life upside down," Karen said. "Paul spent three months in hospital and in rehab. I don't know how I would cope without Ava-Grace."

Ava-Grace acknowledges the sacrifices involved. "You have to make sacrifices. I can't do all the things my friends do," she stated. She had to abandon a promising dance career due to time constraints and has moved schools multiple times due to bullying and attendance issues related to her caring duties and epilepsy. "I worry about the future," she admitted. "I really want to go to university, but can't imagine going anywhere too far from home. I know my dad needs me."

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You have to make sacrifices. I can't do all the things my friends do.

Support is available through local council assessments for young carers, focusing on health, education, and well-being. Andy McGowan, head of young carers at the Carers Trust, noted that these assessments can be beneficial but often take years to be identified, and the support provided is inconsistent. McGowan, a former young carer himself, highlighted that even with respite breaks, peer support, and counseling, the fundamental issue of the demanding care responsibilities often remains unaddressed.

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I worry about the future. I really want to go to university, but can't imagine going anywhere too far from home. I know my dad needs me.