Teachers identify young carers among their classes

It is believed that many teachers in the UK encounter a young carer in one of their classes regularly. It is also thought that these brave young individuals face bullying and teasing from their peers. They may also suffer from falling behind in class. There are charities who try to help these children and teenagers specifically. Recent TV documentaries by high profile artist such as Tulisa Contostavlos and Oritsé Williams from the disbanded group, JLS, featured challenges which young carers face. So can things be done? Can there be an organised network where an adult or child is brought to a day carer's centre and a number of young carers given support in their own learning while the person they look after, are in safe hands for a day? Can large advertising agencies give something back by creating campaigns to highlight young carers' plight? Campaigns could be highlighted in schools and colleges. Peers will harass them less and they can be put in touch with people who can help. If politicians could spend a little more time focusing on the people who count amongst their electorate, and not just one-upmanship on the soundbite loop, things could improve dramatically. And in a much shorter space of time.