This spring, we’re asking you to make something simple, but powerful, possible: time, space and support for children who support someone.
At just 10 years old, Ivy supports her younger brother Lenny, who has additional needs and autism.
“I help to get him dressed/undressed and help brush his teeth. When we go to places like the park or soft play, I make sure he is safe and help him if he needs it. I try to teach him new things.”
Ivy cares deeply about her brother. But sometimes, supporting him means missing out.
“Sometimes we had to leave places as he didn’t like going out. So, if we were with friends, it meant I could not play with them anymore as we had to go home.”
“My brother doesn’t really like to play with me, and this has made me feel sad quite a lot. When he was younger, he couldn’t speak properly and he was very angry all the time, which made me upset too. Sometimes I think he gets more attention than me.”
Good care is supported care.
With support from Carers First, Ivy now has space to be herself.
“They have helped to support me by giving me some attention that I may not always get at home and I get to do very fun activities with them. I love getting to know other people that are in the same situation as me at young carer events and groups. I enjoy the activities they put out for me and the others.”
“My friends at school don’t understand but the care team do understand and they are very supportive.”
“I wish some people knew that autism or being a young carer isn’t a bad thing and sometimes when I have had a bad morning at home and take it into school I wish they knew that it is not them, it is what happened at home.”
Time away from responsibility matters. It allows Ivy to enjoy being a child.
“When I am not caring, I enjoy colouring and skateboarding. I also enjoy going to my after-school clubs - swimming and brownies.”
She also has big ambitions for the future: “I want to be a pop star when I grow up.”
Most of us will support someone at some point in our lives. But no child should feel they have to do this alone.
Your support can make this possible — providing safe spaces, connection and support for young people like Ivy, and making sure support is there early, before things reach crisis.
Because when support is there:
Families feel stronger
Children feel seen
Caring becomes something shared, not carried alone
This spring, your donation can help children like Ivy have the support they deserve.
Donate today and help make good care supported care:
Online Help and Advice
Visit our online support section where we have provided advice and guidance on a range of relevant topics to help you in your caring role.