Jak
My name is Jak and I am 15 years old. I care for my sister, Laura who has Prader - Willi Syndrome. I started caring for my sister when I was about 5 years old. It feels responsible to be a young carer. It also feels important like you have a job to do. My friends know and they are very understanding although sometimes they want me to come out but I can't because I'm looking after my sister. It helps me coming to young and unique because it gives me time to chill out and also talk about my problems at home with people that can relate to me. I have been on a lot of trips with young and unique such as adventure weekends away and to various theme parks.
Melissa
I have a little brother, he's no ordinary child, Sometimes he'd be quiet and still, or run around wild. Its not his fault that he's not good its not his fault he's bad, He cant control how he behaves, or making my family sad. He tries his best to be good , he really tries his best, He tries to act like another child, but he's different from the rest. At school is where he looks just like an ordinary boy, Everyone sees him running around and screaming with joy. But at home he's not the same he's the opposite instead At times like this I wish I could see the thoughts in his head. This is how I live my life every single day, apart from when I am at ‘Young and Unique’, where I get to have my say.
Daniel
My name is Daniel and I am 16 years old. I care for my older brother and have been going to young and unique since it started. I really enjoy going to the meetings and have had the opportunity to do other activities including drama workshops and recently went to AllFM and hosted my own show with other young carers from the group. I really enjoyed doing this and we hope to have our own radio show in the future.
Melissa
My name is Melissa. I am 12 years old. I care for my mum who has cancer 4 times and goes to the hospital every Friday but I have help from my big sister who is 16 years old. I started caring for my mum when I was about 6 years old. Being a young carer means I get to do fewer things and help my mum but I would rather help her than go out with my friends and I don't really get to talk to anyone about it because my sister is in the same position. Coming to young + unique means I get to make new friends and talk to people my own age who are in the same position and understand me. Usually in a day I would wake up and just help my mum tidy up and help her with anything she need to do.
Michael
My name is Michael and I am 13 years old. I care for my mum who misuses alcohol. I have been caring for her since I was 7 years old as I noticed that she had a severe drinking problem. I make sure she has everything she needs and talk to her when she is upset. I have encouraged her to get help and stop drinking. She has reduced her drinking a little but still needs my support. All my friends know about my mum but it really helps going to young and unique because I meet with other kids who understand and it gives me a break.
Natasha
My Name Is Natasha I'm 14 and I Live in Harpurhey in Manchester. I was a carer for four years for my younger brother who had cerebral palsy but sadly passed away in June 2007. He was in and out of hospital most of his life and this affected us in many ways. I was missing out on most tings I wanted to do but by going to young and unique helped us do the things we enjoy. It feels good being a carer because I used to like caring for him and the responsibility. My friends know about me being a carer and yes they are understanding and are there for me when I need them. It helps coming to young and unique because it gets me away from home life and gives me a break. My favourite activity with young and unique was when we went to Alton Towers but I enjoy most of the breaks and trips we go on.