Film shows life as young carer in Northamptonshire

Bella helps her mother Michelle, who is deaf, with phone calls

A new video has been released to raise awareness of what life as a young carer is like.

"One Million of Us: Recognising and Supporting Young Carers" has been released by Northamptonshire Young Carers Service.

It has been working with a local filmmaker to give carers an opportunity to have their voices heard and share their experiences.

The youngsters were involved at every stage of production, the service said.

Lucinda Buckley, from Northamptonshire Young Carers Service, said many schools did not realise they had pupils who were carers

Lucinda Buckley, from Northamptonshire Young Carers Service, said part of the problem the video looks to address is that many schools do not realise they have pupils who are caring for relatives.

She said a survey was done to find out how many young carers each school had.

Ms Buckley said: "79% of schools came back to say they had no young carers, but research has shown that most schools have at least two in every class.

"We're hoping that we can raise awareness with schools, professionals, families who may not be aware that what that young person is doing is actually a caring role."

'Proud of my children'

Bella, who is 12, and her younger sister Keela, aged nine, know what life as a carer is like. They look after their mother, Michelle, who is deaf.

Their role includes making sure she keeps out of danger while they are out and about.

Bella said: "One time, we were in a restaurant and my mum was waiting in line to go up to the till, and she didn't realise she was at the front.

"And this lady behind us with a buggy was screaming at her, and she pushed past us both and screamed 'idiots' - and no-one did anything."

Bella and Keela are preparing for Christmas with their mother Michelle

Michelle said: "They are very helpful with phone calls and telling people I am deaf if I look rude.

"I'm very proud of my children and love them both. They both understand how frustrating and how hard being deaf is."

The Young Carers Service said the carers themselves were involved at every stage of production - creating storyboards, compiling interview questions and helping with filming and photography.

It wants to see the film shared with educational and health professionals across the county, to help raise awareness.

Ms Buckley added that the participants also wanted it to be clear that "it's not all doom and gloom - there are many positives to being a young carer".