Jaiden’s Story:

Finding His Voice and Giving Back

When Jaiden was just eight years old, he became a young carer for his mum, who lives with lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes severe joint pain and fatigue. “I had to get her medication, make sure she was okay at home, because she lost her ability to walk properly,” Jaiden explains. “At night she needed a sleep apnea machine, so I’d make sure she was good before I went to sleep.” 

Jaiden grew up in South London with his mum and older brother. When his brother left for university, the weight of responsibility increased. “That’s when I started having to make food for myself and for Mum,” he recalls. “It wasn’t easy, but we managed.” His dad, though separated from his mum, remained a supportive presence. 

Honeypot’s Impact: Gaining Confidence and Resilience

At just eight or nine, Jaiden was referred to The Honeypot Children’s Charity through a young carers hub. Before that, he’d spent time in local children’s clubs, but he didn’t really see himself as a “young carer” until then. “I was so nervous before coming,” he remembers. “I’d never gone anywhere without my brother. But when I got to Honeypot, I realised a lot of the kids were just like me. I could relate to them, and I didn’t feel judged or misunderstood.” 

For Jaiden, Honeypot opened up a new world. “I couldn’t ride a bike or play sports before I came to Honeypot,” he says. “But at Honeypot, I learned to ride a bike, to play basketball and football. I just loved being outside - feeling the wind hit me, hearing the other kids laugh. It was peaceful. Growing up in Kennington, there was always noise, sirens. At Honeypot, it was just joy.” 

Beyond the fun, Jaiden discovered something deeper – his confidence. “When I first came to Honeypot I was almost mute,” he admits. “I thought that if I opened my mouth, I’d get judged. But when I left after my first visit, I went back to school and spoke up for myself. By my fourth respite break, I had so much confidence that I became Head Boy in primary school.” 

That confidence grew into resilience and self-awareness. “Before Honeypot, I felt weak,” Jaiden told us. “No matter what I did for my mum, she wasn’t getting better. Honeypot made me see that consistency matters - being there, showing up. It made me determined - for my mum, my brother, and for myself.” 

What’s Jaiden Up To Now?

Now 19, Jaiden studies Drama and Theatre at the University of Bath. His mum still receives care from professionals and family, and Jaiden remains closely involved. “Even now, when I’m at uni, I’ll talk to her for hours on the phone,” he says. “I love hearing her voice, making sure she’s okay.” His mum also spends time in Ghana, where she can be with extended family and access more support. 

Coming home during university holidays gives Jaiden perspective. “I appreciate my siblings so much more,” he says. “We bicker sometimes, but we all come together for Mum. I can’t do everything myself, so I’m grateful for them.”

Jaiden’s time at Honeypot has shaped more than just his confidence - it’s shaped his outlook on life and his career ambitions. “Honeypot made me appreciate positive spaces,” he explains. “Because the place was always so positive, I had the resilience to go home and face things. It made me want to help others the way Honeypot helped me.” 

In sixth form, he mentored two younger students - one a young carer. “He was struggling a lot, walking out of lessons, not talking to anyone. My tutor recommended me to support him. We built a bond - he could tell me things, and I could listen. One day I asked, ‘Am I helping you?’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you’ve helped me so much.’ Seeing him smile again - that was everything.” 

That experience cemented Jaiden’s passion for supporting others. “I want to work with young people and help them find their voice,” he says. “A lot of kids keep things bottled up, especially now with everyone on their phones. I want to show them how to share, how to express themselves. Sharing is healing.” 

Jaiden believes that Honeypot should continue finding ways to reach more children like him. “There are so many young carers out there who don’t even know a place like Honeypot exists,” he says.  

Looking back, Jaiden is clear about the impact Honeypot has had on his life.