Case Studies

Here at Honeypot we meet so many fantastic young carers, all of whom have a story to share. 

Some of our young carers support a sibling, some support an adult and many support both. Before joining Honeypot young carers often face a range of issues including social isolation, a lack of confidence and more. However, after being part of our service they often tell us what an enormous impact Honeypot has had on theirs, and their families’, lives.

Below we share just a few of of the many wonderful stories of change that we hear.

 

 

Jessica is an 11 year old carer who helps look after her twin brother. She helps to support Dominic who has autism, is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. She takes on responsibility by helping to clean the house, to do the laundry and to cook meals.

Jack is an 11 year old carer who is his mum’s main source of day-to-day support. Jack helps his mum through her health conditions in ways most children his age never have to think about.

Ten-year-old Hope lives in South Wales, with her parents and four siblings. Among them is her twin brother, Jackson, who is autistic, non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. Hope acts as young carer for her brother, helping her family to manage his needs.

Blake is an 11 year old carer with a very grown-up role at home. He lives with his two sisters and his mum, who has several health conditions, including fibromyalgia and reactive hypoglycemia. Blake quietly takes on responsibilities that make a huge difference to his family. 

Gemma is ten years old and she lives in Surrey with her family. Gemma’s school sent her on a fun-filled Honeypot Health and Wellbeing Break with her schoolmates to develop her social skills and to improve her overall confidence. Gemma loved the experience.

Lilly-Rose is 10 years old and a loving young carer to her mum who has arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, and sleep apnea, all of which affect her mobility and daily life. With just the two of them at home Lilly-Rose’s help is vital for mum.

Elsie is a young carer who plays a vital role in her family’s daily life - especially when it comes to supporting her mum and looking after little brother Leo. Despite her challenges, Elsie is full of life.

Ben is 12 years old and a devoted young carer for his older sister Eva, who has a learning disability, speech impairment, and epilepsy. From making breakfast to helping Eva get ready for school, Ben’s support is vital every day.

Holly was four years old when her brother was diagnosed with Leukaemia, she does what she can to support him and her parents. Holly has been on numerous Respite Breaks with us, and joined many Memory-Making Days.

 

Max is an empathetic young carer who helps his mum provide full time care for his dad who suffered a severe stroke 18 months ago. Max helps his dad to get dressed, to get about and to communicate.

Mia helps her parents care for her two older brothers who have duchennes, a life-limiting condition, and ADHD. Whether it is emptying her brother’s bottles, cleaning, or anything her parents or brothers need, she never complains.

Jed is the primary carer for his Mum Hindy who relies on him for day-to-day life. She has multiple disabilities including Guillian Barre Syndrome, mobility issues and seizures. Jed is her first port of call and her lifeline.

 
 

Leah and her sister Izzy are young carers for Mum Sally, who can have up to four seizures a day. Leah helps with everything her Mum needs, washing, cleaning and offering essential emotional support. Leah gives the care her Mum needs.

Tali is a compassionate young carer. Her younger brother Rico is autistic and has ADHD, as well as having craniosynostosis, and dyspraxia. Tali is always there for her brother and parents.


Alumni Stories

Honeypot supports children aged 5-12. At 13 years old the children graduate from our services. Below we share stories from some of our Honeypot alumni who are now adults. They talk about their experiences as young carers and how Honeypot helped them as they have moved into adulthood.

Jaiden is a Honeypot alumni. He and his brother Edward both look after their Mum Sheila who has Lupus and other health issues. Jaiden talks about his experiences as a young carer and about how Honeypot has helped him as he has grown up and is now studying at University. Watch Jaiden’s film.

Bethannie was referred to Honeypot through her local young carers group when she was nine years old. She grew up with her mum and sister, who struggled with various health conditions as a child. Bethannie talks about her experiences as a young carer and about how Honeypot helped her.

Kirstie has a sister four years older than her with cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. She helped her Mum to care for her sister growing up. She now works to help others, supporting the homeless with housing employment. Kirstie talks about her experiences and about how Honeypot helped her.

Megan was referred to Honeypot when she was nine. She and her sister Adele who was seven, provided care and support for their Dad who suffered with mental health issues. Megan is a teacher now and she talks about her experiences as a young carer and how Honeypot helped her.

Jack became a young carer at just five years old, after his mother left his father and the family. He first visited Honeypot House at the age of six. He then returned every year until he was 12, once having two visits in a year. Today Jack is one of our amazing Honeypot alumni.

 
 

If you are a former Honeypot young carer and you are interested in sharing your story or joining our Alumni Council please visit our Alumni Council page or contact info@honeypot.org.uk.