Episode Overview
An estimated 800,000 children under 18 in Britain serve as caregivers for ill family members, equating to one in every 20 kids. In the second episode of his series, Ross Kemp explores the often-overlooked issue of young carers, starting his journey in Blackburn by spending the night with the Haywood family. Fifteen-year-old Lizzie provides essential support to her mother, Donna, who battles serious physical ailments and schizophrenia, often sacrificing her own study time in the process. Accompanying a charity worker, Ross meets young carers as young as five, like Ali, who looks after his sister Zainab, who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and visual impairment. Their mother, Hanifa, expresses her reliance on Ali’s assistance. Ross uncovers the significant economic contribution these young carers make, even as funding for their support services dwindles.