One in five young carers struggle to cope over the Christmas period

Around one in five young carers finds the Christmas period harder than the rest of the year because of a reduction in support services, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has found.

The snapshot survey of 117 carers aged five to 18 also revealed that more than a third would be caring for ill or disabled parents for more than six hours on Christmas day.

A 14-year-old girl who responded to the survey said: “I care for my mum who has multiple sclerosis and has to use a wheelchair. She’s in pain and shakes a lot so I wrap presents and cook the Christmas dinner for her and my little brother. I want to make the day special for them but it is tough. Last year I was in tears by the end of Christmas and I just want this year to be different.”

The trust is running a Christmas appeal to help young carers and is encouraging young people to visit its website to get help and support over the Christmas period.

Carole Cochrane, chief executive at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said: “It is heart-breaking to see how many young carers will struggle this Christmas. Many of the young carers we surveyed wished for their family member to get better rather than get the latest toy. Sadly for them Christmas is just like any other day.”