Meet Jack, 5, and his Mum Charlie

Charlie lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is supported by her son Jack, who is registered with Action for Carers Surrey as a young carer. Through ACS activities and events, Jack gets time to have fun, make friends and enjoy being a child, while Charlie gets valuable time to herself.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What do you enjoy doing?

Jack: I like funfairs, rides, playing Monopoly, my YoYo Bear cards and lots of other games too.

What do you like most about being part of ACS?

Jack: I like going to the events. I’ve been to the Halloween event and the Christmas event, and I really liked dressing up for Halloween. I also liked going to the events where we decorated biscuits, played football and made aeroplanes.

What are some of the ways you help Mum?

Jack: I help Mum by carrying things, collecting things she needs around the house and emptying the dishwasher. I am always patient with my mum.

If you could tell people one thing about young carers, what would it be?

What has been your favourite ACS memory together?

Charlie: I love hearing about all the things Jack has done. He always comes home excited and full of stories.

What would you say to another family who might need support from ACS?

Charlie: We were recommended to ACS through Jack’s school. They recognised him as a young carer and helped us get registered.

Can you tell me a little about what life is like for you and Jack?

Charlie: Living with MS can make everyday tasks difficult, but Jack is always keen to help. Although he’s only 5, he’s already very caring and aware of the challenges I face.

How does Jack help you day to day?

Charlie: Jack helps by carrying shopping, emptying the dishwasher, passing me things and picking things up around the house when I struggle.

Because of my MS, carrying things and moving around can be difficult, so those small acts of help make a real difference.

How has ACS helped both of you?

Charlie: ACS gives Jack somewhere he can simply have fun and be himself. Every single event Jack has attended, he has loved.

For me, it provides some valuable time to rest and recharge, knowing he’s safe, happy and enjoying himself.

How have you seen Jack benefit from being involved with ACS?

Charlie: Jack has made so many memories through ACS.

One of my favourite memories is when he made an aeroplane at an ACS event. Afterwards, we spent time throwing it to each other at home. It was such a simple thing, but it’s become a lovely shared memory for us.

Why is support for young carers so important?

Charlie: Young carers often go through a lot on their own. ACS gives them some much-needed “me time” and the chance to meet other children who understand what life is like.

Whether they’re caring for a parent, a brother or sister, it’s reassuring to know they’re not the only one going through those experiences.

I’m often the only mum at school using a mobility scooter or walking stick, so it means a lot for Jack to meet others who can relate.

What would you like to say to the people whose support helps ACS be there for families like yours?

Thank you. Because of your support, children like Jack can make friends, build confidence, enjoy fun activities and create memories they’ll keep for years to come.

What would you say to other families who are thinking about contacting ACS?

Get in touch and give them a call. It’s so easy to register and try it out.

It doesn’t cost anything and you’ve got nothing to lose.