A moving meeting with a group of young carers has led Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies to call for more government support for the youngsters.
At a meeting set up by Barnardos, Mr Davies met carers aged between eleven and fifteen.
“They were articulate when sharing their experiences and told me of the difficulties that they face in caring for loved ones while trying to cope with their education,” said Mr Davies who is also the shadow Welsh education minister.
“They were extremely articulate and I was very impressed by them. They have had to grow up fast.”
Mr Davies is now pressing for a young carers strategy to be set up in Wales – as already exists in other parts of the UK.
“I am told that, in other parts of the UK, a young carers strategy provides guidance to groups and statutory bodies so that young people receive the support that they deserve.
“However, we have no such strategy in Wales, although I am told that one could be forthcoming under the Proposed Carers Strategies Measure.”
Mr Davies is particularly concerned that young carers don’t miss out on proper education because of their duties.
“We all know what a huge role carers play in society and I think it’s easy to forget that this job can fall to such young children. They need proper support and mentoring so that they don’t miss out on vital elements of their childhood, not just their education but also having fun such as taking part in residential trips from school.”
