I care for my mum and I started caring for her when I was 14. She has arthritis and is currently recovering from a major operation and cancer treatment. She also suffers from mental health conditions. A usual day involves giving my mum medication, making sure she has eaten and that she is comfortable.

The hardest part of caring is not having time to yourself. Or taking part in activities other young people my age do. But being supported by Carers Trust has given me the opportunity to take part in funded activities and to meet others who are in a similar position to me.

7am

The first thing I usually do when I wake up is have some breakfast. Then I check in on my mum. I need to give her her medicine and something to eat, as well as making sure that she is okay and generally comfortable - not too hot or cold because of the medication she is on. Then I remind her that I’m off to college for the day. Once I’ve done that, I get myself ready and leave the house by 8am.

9am

I arrive at college. I’m currently studying Health and Social Care full-time. But since lockdown started, the time I spend at college has been cut back a bit. Sometimes I have to miss college if Mum’s really poorly because it means I need to do more work around the house. In a way, it’s like I have to act like a parent.

10:45 - 11am

I have a 15-minute break at college, so I call my mum to make sure she is okay. Then I have a bit of downtime to myself.

"In a way, it’s like I have to act like a parent."

12:10pm

Usually, I stay at college until 4pm. But because of lockdown, I can do the rest of my lessons from home. So I make my way home to spend lunchtime with my mum.

1pm

I arrive at home and check in on my mum. Then I make us both some lunch. Depending on how she feels, sometimes she’ll make lunch for me.

2:30pm

Afternoon sessions begin so I do some more studying. It can be nice having lessons from home because if my mum needs me, I am on hand to help. Things like making her tea or supporting her, since she finds it difficult to stand up sometimes. I like being close by at all times.

It really is a pleasure doing all these things for her, as it makes me a more positive person. And helps me to learn other skills that others my age wouldn’t know about. I think it’ll benefit me in the future.

"It can be nice having lessons from home because if my mum needs me, I am on hand to help."

4pm

I finally finish college. Though I don’t get much of a break because now it’s time to make dinner. Depending on how Mum feels, sometimes she’ll cook dinner for us both. It’s great because it means I can spend some time relaxing. And I really do love my mum’s cooking!

5pm

Now I have to help out with some chores. So I get to work on washing our bed sheets and cleaning up around the house.

6pm

Finally, everything is done! This is my time to do whatever I want. Sometimes I sleep or I talk to my friends on WhatsApp. But today, I play some PlayStation to help me relax. I’d say the hardest part of caring is not having time to yourself. Or taking part in activities other young people my age do. But being supported by Carers Trust has given me the opportunity to take part in funded activities and to meet others who are in a similar position to me.

"I’d say the hardest part of caring is not having time to yourself."

7pm

I check in on Mum and make sure she’s okay. Then I give her more of her medication before bed.

I’d say the best thing about caring for my mum is that it makes me feel happier as a person. I have empathy and understanding, so I’m able to put myself in her shoes and to see how others struggle. It also helps me see how much of a resilient person I am.

10 - 11pm

I’m absolutely knackered! So I go to bed to try and get some sleep.