Young carers Sloth and Benny have documented their experiences of looking after their mum as part of a video project co-created by our early intervention in psychosis team and Trust carers.
Here is their story:
Carers come in all ages and young brothers Sloth and Benny are dedicated to looking after their mum when she is struggling with her mental health.
“My children provide me with emotional support just by asking how I’m feeling, if I’m OK,” she said.
“If they can see I’m struggling they go and get my teddy. They’ll give me the teddy and say ‘Mummy you need to squeeze the teddy’ when I’m getting overwhelmed.”
The boys also help out around the house when their mum is feeling particularly poorly, and bring her special teats when she is in hospital.
“She’s in hospital a lot, but she hasn’t been in the hospital for a few months now. I look after my mum by doing things that she has to do,” said one brother.
The other added: “I do the dishes sometimes by myself, except for the sharp ones, I don’t mind. When she’s really poorly I make my own hot chocolate.”
The boys have become good at keeping themselves occupied and playing with their toys when their mum is having a sad day or finding things a little more difficult.
“We all love each other so much don’t we, and that’s why we help each other. We are really, really lucky. I am blessed, totally blessed,” she said.
- Listen to more of Sloth and Benny’s experiences in this young carer video.
