I’m 16 and I am a young carer. I look after my brother, who is autistic, and my mum, who has fibromyalgia. This is a disease where you are in a lot of pain and feel very tired and find it hard doing the normal things in life.

I have to look after my mum and brother in all sorts of ways. I do the shopping, cleaning and other stuff. It’s hard having to grow up quicker than other people my age and not having much of a social life.

I’m in my final year of school and being a young carer means I have less chance to study. I’m starting to look at going to college - sometimes I get worried about my future. But being a young carer also makes me feel good about myself because I’m helping my family and caring for those that have cared for me.

I have been involved with the Young Carers Service for around three years. It means that I meet other young carers, like me, who experience the same things that I do. Also I get to have a laugh and not worry about my family and just have the time away. We do things like youth clubs, go on trips to adventure centres and there is even a Young Carers Festival where you meet young carers from all over the country.

Nikki, 16, from Newhaven

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