When your carer is school age

Mum Gina is assisted with everyday tasks by her sons Jordan (left) and Sam

Every year about 50 Hull children and young people take on the responsibility of looking after their ill or disabled parents. Here, Hull in print tells the story of two young carers who are receiving the help they need to cope.

Jordan Tyler (11) and his brother Sam (9), like many lads their age, love watching football.
But what sets them apart from friends and classmates is that they help care for their mum who is disabled and a wheelchair user.
The brothers willingly take their share of responsibility around the house, and insist on pushing their mum's wheelchair to accompany her when she goes out.
Jordan and Sam have known nothing different – Gina has been disabled since Jordan was 18 months old and since Sam was a baby. So caring has become a natural part of their lives.
The boys help their mum, who teaches social work at the University of Lincoln's Hull campus in George Street, to carry on leading as regular a life as possible.
"I became disabled overnight through surgery that went drastically wrong," Gina says.
"I went from being a fit and healthy woman to one facing a lifelong disability. It has been extremely tough for me at times but the boys have been a massive help.
"They do household chores before they go to school, and in their spare time they accompany me when I go out so they can push my wheelchair and make sure I'm okay."
"One of the many places they take me to is the KC Stadium for Hull City matches – I am a season ticket holder and we all love watching the Tigers play."

Support

Gina says her sons cope remarkably well, but at times the emotional strain of having a disabled and at times very poorly mum can take its toll on them.
That's when the Hull and East Riding Young Carers' Project becomes a much-needed support. Jordan and Sam have their own project worker whom they can talk to, and they are put in touch with other children in similar situations to their own. Away days are laid on by the project to give the young carers a chance to get together and have a break.
"The biggest problem for Jordan and Sam is worry and anxiety. It's something that only other children who care for a seriously ill or disabled parent can really understand," adds Gina.
Gina is also supported at home in Marfleet Avenue, east Hull, by her 20-year-old daughter Leona who lives at home. Gina employs her as a full-time carer, and Leona's married twin sister, Annyah helps when she can.
In summer, there's a job that the boys are especially looking forward to when Gina and her fiancé, Scott, will get married at Hedon Methodist Church on August 11.
"My sons will be ushers!" says Gina. "They've already got their suits, and they'll be there to help us all have a brilliant day."

Facts about the project

• Support is given to children and young people up to the age of 18.
• Most children are caring for parents who have an illness or disability. This includes parents with alcohol, drugs or mental health problems.
• Caring can include lifting, changing bedding, preparing meals, shopping, accompanying parents to medical appointments, helping them to bathe and use the toilet.
• Many carers have disturbed sleep so they may not be able to concentrate at school, or they might stop attending school completely, fearful of leaving mum or dad and what might happen if they are not there.
• The project visits children at home and runs school holiday activities such as bowling and ice skating.
• Parental consent is required to be part of the project.
• It receives funding from Hull City Council and has been established for 11 years.