Teenage carer shares challenges of her daily life

A teenage caregiver's life means she cannot engage in the same activities as her peers.

Seventeen-year-old Ava-Grace Britton provides care for her father, Paul, and often expresses deep concern for him.

Ava-Grace Britton, aged 17, is currently pursuing acting studies at a college located in north London. She enjoys socialising, spending time with friends, and plans to attend university in the coming year.

However, unlike many of her age group, she also looks after her father, Paul, who experiences considerable difficulties with movement and memory following several strokes that occurred eight years ago.

Alongside her mother, Karen, Ava-Grace meticulously checks Paul's blood sugar levels, administers his medication, and helps with meal preparation and household chores.

Ava-Grace conveyed to the BBC her constant worry about her father, explaining that she assists him before college and frequently has to return home quickly to care for him during the day.

She is not alone in her situation. Official census figures indicate that approximately 130,000 individuals under the age of 18 are caregivers in England and Wales.

Nevertheless, the actual number is believed to be considerably higher, as many young carers remain uncounted. The Carers Trust estimates that the population of carers under 18 could reach 1 million, with an additional 500,000 individuals aged between 18 and 25.

For some, these duties are substantial, sometimes exceeding 50 hours per week, which negatively impacts young carers' social lives and academic progress.

Paul's strokes were triggered by a sepsis infection, contracted after he cut his thumb at work. His health is further complicated by diabetes, which requires rigorous monitoring.

His health deteriorated to such an extent that he had to stop working as a borehole engineer. Ava-Grace and Karen now provide full-time care for him; Karen also manages her own charity, which organises meal gatherings for elderly and vulnerable individuals.

Paul's wife, Karen, remarked that he spent three months recovering in hospital and rehabilitation, and she acknowledged her reliance on Ava-Grace's help.

Ava-Grace shared that her caregiving duties have necessitated numerous compromises throughout the years.

She stated that sacrifices are inevitable, and she cannot partake in all the activities her friends enjoy.

She recalled a time when she was very passionate about dance and had the potential to compete, but the significant time commitment required made it unfeasible.

Although she enjoys college now, she had to switch schools multiple times in the past due to bullying and difficulties with attendance, which stemmed from her caregiving responsibilities and managing her epilepsy.

She voiced her concern about the future, expressing a strong desire to attend university but feeling unable to go too far from home because she knows her father relies on her.

More than 50% of young carers, including Ava-Grace, provide assistance to a parent.