Young Carers in Surrey ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’, Charity Warns
Hidden in Plain Sight: Why Young Carers Often Go Unnoticed
Walk through any high street in Surrey, from Guildford to Dorking and out to Leatherhead, and there are children quietly taking on responsibilities most adults would find demanding. Many of them would never call themselves carers. For them, helping a parent with medication, keeping an eye on a sibling with additional needs or lying awake worrying about a family member’s health has simply become part of ordinary life.
Cathy Wood, from the charity My Time for Young Carers, says this is exactly why the problem is so easy to miss. She points to a common myth that young carers spend all their time on physical chores. In reality, the emotional weight can be just as heavy. A child who is constantly watchful, who adjusts their routines around a neurodivergent brother or sister, or who worries about a seriously ill parent may show few obvious signs at all.
Wood is clear that this is nobody’s fault. Parents may not recognise the strain, and children often don’t think of themselves as needing help. What matters, she says, is accepting that poor physical or mental health in a household affects the children living there. Teachers, neighbours, relatives and friends are often the first people to notice changes in tiredness, attendance, mood or friendships. Asking a gentle, open question can make a real difference.
Support on the Ground: What the Charity Is Doing for Surrey’s Young Carers
My Time for Young Carers runs clubs and holiday activities for around 90 young carers across Surrey, aged between seven and 16. The idea is simple but important: give children a few hours where they can relax, make friends, try something new and forget their responsibilities for a while. For many of them, it may be the only time in the week when they are simply allowed to be children.
The charity’s work is supported by BBC Children in Need, and its central goal is to help young carers realise they are not alone. Meeting other children who understand the same pressures can build confidence and resilience, and it can have a positive effect on mental health. Wood says that if the charity achieves nothing more than that, the team will be very happy.
One young carer the charity has supported is Cameron, a 10-year-old from Leatherhead. He helps look after his younger brother, who has additional needs. Cameron is open about the demands this places on him, but he also speaks warmly about his brother and the small ways he helps calm him down. He has now been selected to represent the South East in this year’s BBC Children in Need Choir, performing at the Appeal Night celebrations. Wood says she is delighted for him, and it is a reminder of what young carers can achieve when they are given the chance.
What Residents Can Do Next, and What to Watch For
If you live in Surrey, there are practical steps you can take. Start by noticing the children around you. A pupil who is regularly late, a neighbour’s child who always seems to be running errands, or a friend who struggles to commit to plans may be carrying more than they show. Let the school’s pastoral team know if you are worried, and encourage families to ask their GP or local council about support.
Home life can also be part of the picture. Caring for a disabled or unwell relative often means adapting the house, whether that is a level-access shower, a safer bathroom layout or a kitchen that is easier to use from a wheelchair. bathroom refurbishment and kitchen renovation can be expensive, so it is worth checking whether you qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant through your local council. Families can also request a carer’s assessment, which is available to anyone looking after someone, including young people. If you are hiring bathroom fitters or a kitchen renovation firm for adaptation work, choose a reputable local tradesperson, get written quotes and check their insurance and reviews.
For the months ahead, keep an eye on the BBC Children in Need Appeal Night, which will showcase young carers like Cameron. It is a good moment to find out more about My Time for Young Carers and whether local businesses or community groups can offer time, funding or volunteering.
