My life as a young carer in Enfield

Ismael Rahman on his unique experience as a teenage carer for his elder brother and how Enfield Carers Centre has supported him

Most teenagers my age have to deal with exams, school and chores. But for a small minority, their duties involve the task of caring for a vulnerable individual.

Caring for my brother, Yusuf, can be very challenging at times; he is unable to walk, meaning he has to be lifted into his wheelchair, and his autism can mean he is exceptionally stubborn!

Additionally, Yusuf cannot eat or drink independently, meaning I often have to assist him during feeding times.

Yusuf also attempts to hurt himself, meaning he requires constant supervision. As a result, I often have to study in his room while making sure he doesn’t bite or bruise himself.

From a young age, I remember accompanying him frequently to the hospital. Some of my earliest memories involve sitting in waiting rooms or the hospital nursery for hours.

I try to keep up my wellbeing by watching football or playing video games. But at times, I do feel my mental health is negatively impacted.

For a long time, I felt incredibly lonely as none of my friends could relate to my considerably rare situation.

Being a young carer affects my life in many ways, but Enfield Carers Centre has helped me to manage my caring role. Before regularly attending their events, I was unaware of the community of young carers in Enfield.

The Enfield Young People In Caring (EYPIC) service has provided free counselling sessions from professionals for both my younger brother and me. Additionally, they also organise free events to help provide a break from caring and meet other young carers.

Some of these events have focused on managing finance, how to attend an interview and building a CV; all skills which are essential for young people.

The session on managing hardship (which was presented by a senior Red Cross worker) was the most helpful to me; to this day, I still utilise the methods she taught us.

EYPIC’s staff work incredibly hard to ensure the stress of caring is minimised; they often arrange visits with my school to provide counselling sessions.

Furthermore, they have also informed teachers and staff about my young carer status through emails.

This service is essential to the borough.

Read more about the work EYPIC does and the threat to its future:
Visit enfielddispatch.co.uk/enfields-only-young-carers-support-service-at-risk-of-closure/

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