Hi, I’m Eden. I’m 22 and from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I’m currently an undergraduate student studying Childhood and Youth Studies, while also balancing being a young adult carer for my younger brother, who is 19 and has autism and learning disabilities. Alongside this, I work for a charity supporting young people with autism, host my own podcast, and take part in volunteering and advocacy work.
I’ve been caring for my brother for as long as I can remember, but I’ve taken on more of an active caring role since becoming an adult. My role involves providing emotional support, especially as my brother found school a challenging experience, as well as practical support. This includes helping to make sure he gets picked up in the morning, has food, and is supported to stay safe, as he cannot be left on his own.
In 2022, I developed long-term health conditions after being diagnosed with Long Covid and other related health conditions. This completely changed my life. I’m no longer able to take part in sport in the way I used to, attend university in person, drive, or have the typical lifestyle I imagined for myself at 22.
Navigating my own health alongside caring for my brother has been challenging. Sometimes I feel guilty that I’m not always able to support my parents as much as I would like, particularly because I’m unable to drive and evenings can be difficult when my health is worse. I also find it challenging to prioritise my own needs and recognise when I need to rest or ask for support. I know self-care is important, but it can be difficult when you are used to putting someone else’s needs first.
There have also been many positives from being a young carer. Caring for my brother has given me a huge amount of empathy and has shaped the person I am today. From an early age, it made me passionate about ensuring disabled people, people with health conditions, and other underrepresented voices have equal opportunities and are included in decisions that affect them. This has influenced the advocacy work I have done over the last few years, working with charities, organisations, and young people to help amplify their voices.
Some of the biggest challenges I face are managing my own health conditions, balancing caring responsibilities with university, work, volunteering, and maintaining a social life. At times, it can feel overwhelming and exhausting, and there is also uncertainty about what the future will look like, particularly while managing my own health.
The biggest thing I would want other siblings to know is that they deserve support too. Being a sibling carer can sometimes feel isolating, but there are organisations, communities, and other people who understand what you are experiencing. It is important to remember that caring for someone else does not mean you should have to ignore your own needs.
The change I would like to see is greater recognition and support for young adult carers, particularly in Northern Ireland. Schools, universities, workplaces, and other settings need to understand how caring responsibilities can impact every part of someone’s life. Young adult carers should be recognised, supported, and given the opportunities they deserve while also being able to look after themselves.