The Princess Royal Trust for Carers- Melanie’s story

When we met Melanie for the first time at her nearby Carer’s Centre we asked her to tell us about her family, her words told us so much more:“There’s my dad, my mum, my little sister and brother….oh yes, and me”

By the age of twelve, Melanie had been a carer for six years. Shortly after her sixth birthday, Melanie’s mother, Debbie, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.  Only months later, her father Gary, was involved in a road accident which left him partially paralysed. With this final blow, the family’s future looked very uncertain.

Her parents were unable to work and while they had initial support from social services, this lessened over the years.  Without realising it, Melanie had become a “young carer” – one of 175,000 young  carers in the UK. She soon became used to getting up early in the morning to help her young brother and sister, Jack and Sadie, get ready for school. She made sure her parents took their medicine before she went to school. Usually she helped in the evenings with meals and washing up. At times she would make her mum or dad laugh when they were sad or frustrated. At times she felt very sad and frustrated too.

Your gift can help us reach out to more carers like Melanie; giving them support when they need it most

While Melanie’s home life was often tiring and emotional, the atmosphere was loving. School was very different. Melanie became increasingly aware that her life was not like other children’s. Most children had stopped asking Melanie to join in after school activities by the time she was eight as she was never able to come.  When Melanie was nine, her class teacher noticed that she was being taunted in the playground and recognised that she was isolated. Her teacher put Melanie’s parents in touch with the local Carers’ Centre which offered special services for young carers.

When Melanie came to the Carers’ Centre she was very shy but after a few sessions with one of our dedicated counsellors, she told us of her problems at school. What troubled her most was what her classmates said to her: “the other kids in school usually judge me and say horrible things because I can’t come out and do things”.

At the centre, Melanie was given a mentor – someone who understood the pressures she was under as a carer and as a young person. We also put Melanie’s family in touch with a local group who send a support worker to their house while Melanie goes to the local youth group each Saturday morning at the centre. She told us this is the best part of her week – she feels happy there. Being a carer can affect your life. Being a young carer can affect your life forever.  Most young carers have problems at school and will usually leave school achieving less than their peer group.

With over 1 million carers in the UK caring for family members for over 50 hours a week there is a clear need for The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. But we can only be there for carers with your help.

This Christmas Melanie will be playing an important role at home – helping her parents give Sadie and Jack the best Christmas they can. For Melanie, she is really looking forward to the Christmas party that is held for the young carers at the centre.

Your gift can make a real difference to the life of a carer and their family

The impact of The Trust in Melanie’s life is clear:  “I love my family but sometimes I just want to run away. Finding the Carers’ Centre means I now have somewhere to go if I want a break. I can talk to people who understand what it’s like.”

Next year Melanie will face new challenges when her family move to a new home that is specially adapted to meet their physical needs. It means that she will start at a new school. She is particularly worried about making friends. However, she knows that the centre is there to support carers like her as long as she needs it throughout their caring journey.

Being a carer affects many people in the UK of all ages and backgrounds. It is usually an important, sometimes  rewarding and often very difficult part of their lives. We know that there is an increasing demand on our services. We also know that thanks to the generous support of donors, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers makes a positive difference to so many people.

Please give a donation of whatever you can afford so that all carers know that they are not alone

With your help, we can give carers the support that they need in order to be able to do their best for their families, but also keep a life for themselves.

Support the The Princess Royal Trust for Carers with a donation from your pay.  And if you sign up before Thursday 23rd Dec Workplace Giving UK will add an extra £5 as an extra Christmas Bonus.