“People assume it is just helping around the house, but it’s actually so much more emotionally challenging than that,” explained student Gabby Congui.
Gabby, alongside fellow students Esme Neal and Dre Frazer, represents a wider group of young adult carers across the UK. According to Carers Trust, there are around 600,000 carers aged 18 to 25, as well as approximately one million under the age of 18.
While many of their peers are focused on social lives and future opportunities, these students must often weigh those choices against their responsibilities at home.
Taking on adult responsibilities
Esme Neal, a Derby College Group student, supports her mother with a range of daily tasks, from housework to medication and personal care.
“It just kind of felt like the norm,” she said. “When I was younger, I didn’t really question it. I just thought it was something you were meant to do.”
Gabby’s caring role began more recently, after her father became disabled.
“He only became disabled about three years ago, so that was a massive adjustment,” she said. “I’ve had to adapt quickly and take on adult responsibilities, but it’s also helped me grow in confidence.”
For Dre Frazer, his role intensified following his parents’ separation. He is now the main carer for his mother, who lives with fibromyalgia.
“I’ve had to step in over the last couple of years,” he said. “I help with day-to-day things and make sure she’s okay and has someone to talk to. It’s a big change, but I just do the best I can.”
Balancing care and the future
At Derby College Group, staff recognise that student carers often face difficult decisions about their futures. Choices about university or moving away from home can carry an added emotional weight.
“If I moved away, who would be there when my mum gets unwell?” Dre said.
Gabby shared similar concerns, explaining that her decisions about higher education are shaped by the need to stay close to home.
There is also a common feeling of guilt when trying to balance personal time with caring duties, something all three students described.
Challenging misconceptions
Students at Derby College Group are also working to challenge stereotypes around caring. Esme noted that many people underestimate the breadth of the role.
“It’s not just one thing,” she said. “It includes cleaning, shopping, collecting prescriptions, and attending medical appointments.”
Gabby added that raising awareness is key.
“Make sure people around you understand what’s going on,” she said. “Being a carer is part of your life, but it doesn’t define everything you are.”
Rajni Rampal, Curriculum Manager at Derby College Group, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Gabby, Esme and Dre for speaking so honestly and courageously about their experiences as young carers.
At Derby College Group, we know that many students are balancing education alongside significant responsibilities at home, often without recognition. These young people show resilience, compassion and maturity every single day.
By sharing their stories, they are helping to challenge misconceptions, raise awareness and ensure other young carers feel seen, supported and understood.
They should all be enormously proud of the difference they are making.”
