Max is like most other nine-year-olds. He likes seeing his friends, going to school, and spending time with his family.
But Max also has a very special role – he is a young carer.
Max’s eldest brother, Jacob, has a rare, life-limiting genetic condition and requires 24/7 care.
The brothers’ parents, Chris and Hannah, rely on Max to help in many ways – from supporting his older brother to helping with the shopping.
Hannah explains: “Max does so much to help. Whether that’s occupying his little sister by playing with her or reading to her, so we can help Jacob, helping to tidy around the house, sitting with his oldest brother and checking he is ok, reading his monitor, mopping his chin and helping with meals. These tasks are all vital, and enable us to provide the best possible care to Jacob. Max is growing up to be an incredibly caring and supportive boy and we’re very proud of him!”
Max says his care role is a positive thing, knowing he’s helping his family: “It makes me feel good about myself, knowing that I’m helping. My friends know I am a carer, and we talk about being a young carer at school.”
Max uses TuVida’s Young Carers Notts service that supports young carers to take a vital break from their care role via trips to the cinema, meals out, bowling, socialising with other young carers, group sessions, and school holiday overnight trips. Max particularly enjoys the creative writing groups run by Young Carers Notts. He explains: “Young Carers Notts is fun as I get to chat to others, usually through the online groups. I really enjoy the writing group as it’s fun doing something creative, and I write stories about my family.”
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