1. THE BIG ORANGE STOMP Friday 11 th October 2013

2. Research in 2010 suggested that there are over 700,000 young carers in the UK. (BBC)

3. A young carer is anyone under the age of 18 who spends a large percentage of their time looking after another person.

4. Young carers… adult responsibilities… Young carers have to shoulder the burden of adult responsibilities at an early age.

5. Caring for younger Siblings.

6. Caring for disabled Siblings.

7. Shopping, washing, cooking, cleaning the house, paying bills.

8. Often, this is because their parents work long hours to make ends meet.

9. Or are trapped in difficult circumstances like: substance or alcohol abuse depression domestic violence

10. Other parents are simply too ill to look after things themselves.

11. Caring, at any age, can be a physically and emotionally draining experience.

12. Imagine being a child and having a whole family dependent on you...

13. Having little time for yourself with few obvious rewards.

14. Young carers have less time for play, friends and school... less time to just be young.

15. Young carers are more likely to live in poverty.

16. This can leave them feeling different from their peers - singled-out, isolated and misunderstood...

17. Young carers find it harder to achieve their dreams.

18. Many don’t feel they have the right to dream in the first place!

19. Many young carers in the UK provide up to 50 hours of care every week.

20. The average age of a young carer is 12 years. (Young Carers in the UK – Dearden and Becker)

21. 44% of young carers have been caring for 3-5years. (Young Carers in the UK – Dearden and Becker)

22. 40% of young carers have difficulties in school. (Princess Royal Trust for Carers)

23. 56% of young carers are living in one parent families. (Young Carers in the UK – Dearden and Becker)

24. Young carers need to know how important their contribution is.

25. They need to know how special they are.

26. They need time to enjoy their childhood.

27. And the freedom to just be children.

28. Spurgeons works with young carers all across the country.

29. We let them know that they are valued.

30. We give them a chance to leave their worries behind - and just have fun!

31. We help them to find their place in the world.

32. And supporting young carers is just one part of our work.

33. We help children and their families in other ways, including:

34. Ensuring children who have a loved one in prison go on to live happy and successful futures.

35. And supporting separated teenage parents to decrease family conflict and improve family communication.

37. Help us provide the love, care and encouragement that all children need in order to thrive.

38. Take part in The Big Orange Stomp. October 11 th 2013

39. Help us to be there for vulnerable children.

40. Every step of the way.