Enfield Carers Centre is calling on Enfield Council to step in to fund the service which supports nearly 600 young carers in the borough, reports James Cracknell
The future of the borough’s only support service for young carers is in doubt – with the current funding agreement expiring later this year.
Enfield Carers Centre has run its young carers service for almost six years, with the last four years of the project being funded by the National Lottery Community Fund – but this is now set to end in December.
The Enfield Young People in Caring (EYPIC) service supports almost 600 children in Enfield who provide care and support for a family member or friend, often for a parent or sibling with a long-term condition.
Many of these young carers report struggling with chronic tiredness, anxiety and isolation, and often fall behind at school, so the help offered by Enfield Carers Centre is seen as vital. The charity has warned of “serious and negative consequences” if it cannot continue, with no alternative available locally.
Unlike similar services in other London boroughs, EYPIC has never been supported directly by the local authority, and the charity is now calling on Enfield Council to step in and cover the £125,000 annual budget to ensure young carers can continue receiving support next year.
Pamela Burke, chief executive of Enfield Carers Centre, said: “Young carers manage complex, adult responsibilities every single day – often hiding them from friends and teachers due to embarrassment or lack of awareness that what they do isn’t usual.
“Many provide practical care such as cooking, cleaning, administering medication or looking after younger siblings, while also offering emotional support to family members with physical or mental health needs. It’s not uncommon for young carers to manage household finances, or act as translators for their parents.
“These pressures have a direct impact on their daily lives. Many report struggling with chronic tiredness, anxiety and isolation, and often fall behind at school.
“Our experience running EYPIC has shown us the scale of the challenges they face every day.”
While at least one meeting has taken place between Enfield Carers Centre and council officers, nothing has yet been agreed.
Asked to comment, a spokesperson said: “The council can confirm that a meeting between the local authority and Enfield Carers’ Centre took place [on 13th May] and discussions are ongoing regarding the future of the young carers service.
“We remain committed to supporting young carers in Enfield and will continue to work closely with partners to explore all options.”
A recent government survey states that as many as one-in-five children in the UK may be a young carer, yet only a fraction are formally identified – and the majority are going without support.
Enfield Carers Centre points out that young carers can miss weeks of education each year, are often in trouble for constant lateness or absence, and may be unable to complete homework due to lack of time or quiet space. They can often suffer from loneliness, low self-esteem and bullying.
All of these issues are exacerbated without support.
According to the NHS, some 40% of young carers report mental health problems linked to their caring responsibilities, while the Carers Trust reports that young carers miss an average of 23 days of school per year, with only 46% achieve five GCSEs including English and maths.
Over the past three years of the service, EYPIC has delivered more than 5,800 services and interventions, including help with benefits and debt; grants for food and household items; advocating at meetings with schools and social services; referrals for counselling and wellbeing services; academic support for 490 young carers, with more than 240 regularly attending weekly homework clubs; organising respite trips and activities; and providing 92 in-school staff training and awareness sessions across 50 schools in Enfield.
Young carer Toby, aged twelve, is one of those supported by EYPIC. He said: “I really enjoyed getting to leave the house and having a break from caring so I can see my friends.”
Patsy Cuncarr, headteacher at St John and St James School in Angel Edmonton, added: “Enfield Carers Centre’s support for young carers is a lifeline for many of our young people. They provide far more than practical support – they offer understanding, stability, and a safe space where young carers can focus on their own wellbeing.”
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