Young carer speaks out about feeling burnt out and forgotten

Madeline, a 16-year-old from Bridgend who cares for her disabled mother and granddad, has opened up about the emotional toll of her daily responsibilities. She explains that balancing schoolwork, cooking, cleaning, and medication management leaves her little time for herself, leading friends to push her aside because she cannot always join social activities. She highlights the crucial role of support networks like the Bridgend Carers' Centre, which helps her cope by offering respite and connection with other young carers who understand her situation. Her experience shines a light on the broader challenges faced by an estimated 170,000 young carers across the UK.