Childhood is something precious, to be nutured and protected. Today it is under attack in many different ways. For the last six months, along with three other councillors and expert witnesses, I have been inquiring into the circumstances of a special group of young people who have the responsibility of caring for one or more members of their family. For want of a better name, these youngsters are known as "Young Carers". Each one of them cares for at least one parent or sibling who is suffering from illness or incapacity or an addiction to drink or drugs. Young carers are often unknown, unrecognised and unaided. Responsibility is thrust upon their young shoulders at a tender age but they face life with courage and fortitude. As one girl told us, "I don't think of myself as a carer. I just get up in the morning and do what I have to do." Often these youngsters are isolated, misunderstood and unjustly blamed. Their caring duties may prevent them from participating in after school activities, forming friendships, meeting homework deadlines or even arriving at school on time. Often they are pubished for these "offences" because teachers are unaware of their special circumstances. We have been aided in our enquiry by several groups of experts from around the country but especially by two outstanding groups from Stockport, namely "Signposts for Young Carers" and "Mosaic" which unfortunately reach only a fraction of Stockport's young carers. These two organisations, the first voluntary, the second an arm of the Council, perform wonderful work to protect and help young carers in Stockport. In our report, soon to be completed, we shall be making important recommendations to the Council's Executive to improve the lives of these young people who sacrifice their childhood to care for those they love.

Cllr Anthony O'Neill
Heatons North

This article, by Cllr O'Neill, was first published by the Stockport Express on 18.11.09.