Case Studies

The following case studies are based on the real stories of two of our young carers (names are changed for confidentiality reasons) and highlight the benefits of our Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers service.

Anna’s Story

Anna (14) was referred to the project by her school, who were concerned about her being socially withdrawn and isolated, commenting that she didn’t appear to have any friends. Her mother also expressed similar concerns about her daughter’s behaviour.

Anna lives with her mum, older brother (18) and younger sister (3). Both her siblings have significant learning difficulties (autistic) and Anna spends a lot of time at home helping out with her younger sister. Her older brother cannot be left alone at home, so Anna often has to stay in with him. She also helps out with household chores.

Anna was very quiet and shy when she first attended our Senior Club. She appeared uncertain of mixing with others and would often sit by herself. However, with time she has made friends and now participates in activities. She has also attended two residential trips – the University of Winchester Residential for Young Carers and the Young Carers Festival at YMCA Fairthorne Manor in Southampton. Furthermore, with support from Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers she also completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at school.

From the onset Anna expressed a wish to help with our younger members and began volunteering at the Junior Club. Anna showed empathy and lots of kindness to the members and became a valuable member of the team.

Anna reported feeling an increase in both her confidence and self-esteem since engaging with the project.

Anna is loving young carers, thank you so much. Her mum said she is really impressed with Anna’s enthusiasm for it.

- Anna's School

Zac’s Story

Zac is 18 years old and a young adult carer. He lives alone with his mum who has a number of long-term physical and mental health conditions. He helps her with her personal and emotional care, as well as doing regular household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and shopping. He worries a lot about his mum’s health and says she is often admitted to hospital.

He has been accessing support from our Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers service for 7 years, and although no longer attending his group for 15-25 year olds due to work commitments, he continues his involvement by volunteering weekly with our senior group sessions for 11-15 year.

Zac says that before joining Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers, he was not aware that he was a young carer because he had never been asked.

Outside of his caring role, Zac is passionate about pursuing a career in barbering. He is currently completing a barbering apprenticeship and aspires to eventually own his own barbershop. He has grown in confidence throughout his time with Young Carers and is a valued member of our team. He is a role model to our younger members, and proves that no matter what your background or obstacles in life are, with hard work you can achieve goals which may seem impossible at first.

Florence’s Poem

At just thirteen, Florence wrote these beautiful words titled Hope. We are so very proud of what our young carers, given the opportunity, can achieve.