Francis Adeyemi

When reflecting on time as a young carer I get quite emotional it was a hard time for myself and the family.

My mum had been diagnosed with breast cancer, was going through chemotherapy and was bedridden during this time my dad had to pick up extra work and was never at home so I automatically took up the role of house mum/dad.

My siblings were still young and we didn’t want to burden them with the pain of what was going knowing they won’t really understand. They carried on as children being active and extra playful as there were no parents around with put extra pressure on me.

Over time I became depressed and overworked trying to hold the house down but also care for mum because I had never seen her in such a bad state.

I became so hard on myself because I felt I wasn’t doing enough to “keep mum healthy” and the “children calm” but also ace my GCSEs. The pressure to perform well and ace an exam on the same day my mum had an operation was quite traumatising because every time I put pen to paper all I could see was mum in the operating room.

I can’t help thinking if only I had a company/community like Yucan there for me It wouldn’t have taken such a toll on my mental health. I’ll end with this as a young carer you do everything for the ones you love but sometimes no one is there to do something for you and we all need care & support. -

Francis Adeyemi