Data from the 2021 Census has revealed the number of young, unpaid carers living in Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich between the ages of 5 – 17.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) there were mostly unpaid young carers between the ages of 5-17 caring for 19 or less hours a week, although a small number were revealed to be giving care for more hours.
Lewisham
Lewisham has the highest number of young, unpaid carers caring for 19 hours a week or less with 475 carers.
They also have the highest number for young, unpaid carers caring for between 20 – 49 hours a week with 120 carers.
There were 60 young, unpaid carers caring for someone for between 50 hours or more a week.
Bromley
Bromley came in at second highest with 460 young, unpaid carers caring for 19 hours or less a week.
They were also revealed to be the second highest for young, unpaid carers caring for between 2 – 49 hours a week with 95 carers.
Bromley had a recorded 75 young, unpaid carers caring for 50 hours or more a week.
Greenwich
Greenwich had 375 young, unpaid carers caring at 19 hours or less a week.
It also had 100 young, unpaid carers caring for 20 – 49 hours a week.
Greenwich also has the highest number for young, unpaid carers caring for 50 hours or more a week with 80 carers.
Bexley
Bexley has the lowest overall number for young, unpaid carers out of these four south east London boroughs.
They had 330 young, unpaid carers caring for 19 hours or less a week.
They had 70 young, unpaid carers caring at 20 – 49 hours a week.
They had recorded 60 young, unpaid carers caring for 50 hours or more a week.
Will Donnelly, founder of Lottie, a later care marketplace described the increase in young carers in London as “worrying”.
He claims that the pandemic left many in vulnerable positions which “may” have lead to an increase in young carers in London.
Co-founder of Lottie, Will Donnelly said: “There’s been a worrying increase from young carers in and around London searching for support online, so it’s important to raise awareness of the help available to families.
“The pandemic left many people vulnerable and isolated, which may have led to an increase in young carers across the capital.
“With more young carers turning to online networks for support (as opposed to sharing their worries with teachers or family members), it shows that there is still a stigma surrounding young carers.
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“Recognising you’re a young carer isn’t always easy, either. If you’re aged 18 or younger and you’re helping someone at home because they can’t look after themselves (for instance helping someone wash, cook or look after a sibling and making sure they’re safe), you’re a carer.
“Every school and community should have clear signposting about the local support available in the area for anyone that helps an older adult or parent.
“Through this, we can raise awareness of what it’s like to be a young carer, and actively reduce any stigma surrounding disabilities, care, and mental health”.
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