4.4 Supporting Sibling Young Carers |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
This information is taken from information provided by The Children's Society
"I would like my life to be that my sister not be ill and to be able to get to sleep at night"
GUIDANCE
Improving Support for Young Carers
Young People Who Care Assessment
The Royal College of Psychiatrists: Emotional Support for Young Carers
OTHER RELEVANT CHAPTER
Contents
1. Introduction
Almost a third of young carers have responsibility for the care of a brother or sister. Sibling carers, more so than those caring for a parent, are often unidentified and their caring responsibilities, needs, experiences and feelings can go unrecognised in schools and by professionals.
Sibling carers tell us that young carers' services or specific sibling support groups are often the only place where they are recognised and given support.
What does caring for a sibling entail?
- Communicating for their sibling.
- Looking out for their sibling and protecting them from other children -particularly emotionally.
- Supporting their sibling with homework.
- Emotional support.
There is a positive side to caring for a sibling as the carer develops various life skills, including relationship skills. However, their lives can also be heavily restricted and they can experience negative impacts, such as:
- Lack of quality time with parents.
- Reduced parental attention and support from parents.
- Lack of time and space for themselves and activities geared to themselves.
- Social exclusion and prejudice because of the sibling.
- Friendships and leisure may be difficult. Young carers may find it hard to invite friends home for example.
- Impacts due to poverty and limited transport opportunities, where families need to prioritise a disabled child.
2. Feelings
Sibling carers can worry about their brother or sister and often lack information or understanding about their sibling's illness or disability. In addition to feelings of frustration, guilt and anger (feelings which are shared with other groups of young carers) sibling carers may also feel:
- embarrassment about their sibling's behaviour.
- insignificance due to limited parental attention.
- anxiety about who will care for their sibling in the future.
3. Key Resources
| The Children's Society |
Information for all professionals ( Health, Education, adult and children's social care, and Youth justice professionals) |
| Rethink |
Information for siblings who have a brother or sister with a mental ill-health. |
| Siblinks |
A network for young people who have or have had a family member affected by cancer to gain support and provide information. |
| Sibs |
A UK-wide charity for people who grow up with a disabled brother or sister. Sibs website - The Princess Royal Trust for Carers & The Children's Society |
End