Young carers in York create thought provoking film about 'hidden carers'

"On a morning I wake up about 7 o'clock," a boy says, before another continues, "I feel like a whirlwind on a morning. I have to make breakfast for my brothers and sisters, feed the pets, pack my bag, and then I have to get their school bag ready, brush my teeth… "I have to get my mum ready for the day, get my mum's tablets for her and a lot of other stuff."

The voices and creators of a new animated film, One Day... Any Day, are all young carers and members of York Carers Centre.

When they gathered together in a York art studio (pictured below) during their summer holidays last year, they aimed to draw their own lives. Starting with a blank piece of paper, and working with the assistance of two artists, Dan Stapylton and Emma Hardaker, the final result is a poignant but uplifting animated film.

"They were over the moon when they saw the final film," Emily Hicks of York Carers Centre said, "I watched it before they did and had time to gather myself. I was extremely proud, it's a fantastic piece of work.

The film's main objective is to raise awareness of the day-to-day achievements of young carers and to help teachers and their school friends understand them.

In York at least 200 young people aged from eight to 18-years-old care for a family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Of these, most of their schools know they are carers, but many don't appreciate the extent to which is affects their lives - something the team wanted to change.

To dispel any stereotypical ideas of who a carer is, the film follows an imaginary creature as he struggles to look after his mum and family, while struggling to get to school on time. As the stress of his day mounts, he realises he has forgotten his planner and faces detention.

According to the Carers Trust, only half of young carers nationally have a particular person in school who recognises they are a carer and helps them. And 68 per cent of young carers are bullied in schools.

Rosie Bayford, lead officer for young carers in York, said: "It's about raising awareness of young carers services and the challenges young carers face.

"Unless it's known to the school that they are a young carer you think they are late again and their behaviour is not as good as it should be.

"Our job is to try and raise awareness in schools so there's one teacher who leads awareness and says 'have you thought it could be something else?'

"People don't necessarily think they are caring for their mum or they have to get up in the night to look after a brother or sister."

One Day... Any Day was made as part of the Young Carers Revolution which provides empowerment and influence to young carers and young adult carers in York. Its purpose is to proactively influence services provided for them by statutory and third sector organisations.

Although administered by York Carers Centre the group has its own autonomy and sets its own agenda for projects and campaign themes.

It is hoped the latest film with echo the success of a previous film shown across schools in the city. "I was really proud of them, it's brilliant," Rosie said, "It's something for them to be really proud of and I think they are." To view the film, visit yorkpress.co.uk - The Young Carers Service can offer support through youth groups, trips out, school drop ins, and one to one visits at home or another location.

There are approximately 20,000 people under the age of 18 in Yorkshire who help look after someone in their family, or a friend, who is ill, disabled or misuses drugs or alcohol.

If you think you could do with some support in looking after someone, contact York Carers Centre 01904 715490 or visit the website www.yorkcarerscentre.co.uk

Young carers: the facts

• Following a survey in 2010, the BBC estimated that there are 700,000 young carers in the UK.

• Young carers responding to a survey missed or cut short many school days every year. The average was 48 school days missed or cut short because of their caring role.

• Young adult carers aged between 16 and 18 years are twice as likely to be not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

• Based on Census figures there are estimated to be at least 376,000 young adult carers in the UK aged 16–25.

• 56 per cent of young adult carers in college or university were struggling because of their caring role. 17 per cent said they may have to drop out for reasons associated with their caring role and 13 per cent said that they may have to drop out for financial reasons. Young adult carers appear to be four times more likely to have to drop out of their college or university course than other students.

• 45 per cent of young adult carers reported that they have mental health problems.

A FAMILY fun day is being held at Foxwood Community Centre on Saturday from 12pm to 3pm.

The event is for all the family and is free, though donations would be welcome.

It is an opportunity to support the Young Carers Service at York Carers Centre, and there will be a range of activities going on, including a fun bus exploring the themes of dreams and aspirations. There will also be a chill out cafe, bouncy castle, face painting and a raffle.

The focus of dreams and aspirations has come about to mark national Young Carers Awareness Day on Thursday. This year Carers Trust and York Carers Centre want people to understand how difficult it can be for young carers to realise their hopes and dreams for the future unless they have the right support in place.

The space to take a break from their caring role is so vital for young carers; one parent said “ [it’s a ] fantastic opportunity for my son to go out, make new friends and have support when needed. It’s a lifesaver for my family.”