Who do you help to look after and why?
I help care for my younger sister because she has Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and a sleep disorder. I also help with my younger brother, keeping him entertained when my parents are looking after my sister.
What’s your absolute favourite thing to do in the world?
Sleeping, acting and reading!
What do you love to watch on TV
I love to watch Casualty and Police Interceptors.
Haribo or chocolate?
Chocolate!
What music do you like to listen to?
I love listening to my musicals playlist. I also like Michael Buble, Adele and Ed Sheeran.
What’s the best thing about your mum?
That she is kind, caring and funny.
What’s the most boring thing in the world you have to do?
Maths!
If you could be anyone famous, who would you want to be and why?
Amanda Mealing, because she inspires me so much as an actress, and a person. She turned a really negative thing into a positive.
Any ambitions? What do you want to do when you leave school?
A cardiovascular surgeon or an actress.
Worst and best vegetable?
Best is spinach. Worst is sweetcorn.
How was it being asked to do a video for CSW?
It was really cool to be asked to the video. I was a bit nervous but it was really fun to do.
Why did you say yes?
Going to young carers has really helped me in so many ways. I have made lots of great friends and had some incredible experiences that I would never have had, as well as having lots of emotional support. I wanted other young people to know that there is help out there for them.
What are the best and worst bits about looking after your sister?
The worst thing is when she is struggling and or doesn’t understand and then she can be very horrible to me even though I do so much for her. The best thing is that we have a good laugh together and it’s made us closer as sisters.
Do you think people at school understand what it’s like being a young carer?
People at school don’t understand what it’s like. It can be really stressful at times, much more than it probably is in their lives. They don’t have to do so much or be so grown up.
If you met someone your age who looked after someone, or helped to look after someone in their family, what would you say to them?
I would want them to know that there are other people who know what it’s like. You can get help, you are not alone. I know it can feel isolating but I’ve had help, support and great experiences and you can too. So be brave and make that call. It’s the best thing ever to be part of.
See Phoebe’s video here
