Powerful personal stories from some of Britain's 175,000 young carers who look after relatives battling with illness and addiction. Their childhoods cut short as they feed, wash and cope with the mood swings of their charges, and their education can suffer as, reluctant to leave sick parents alone, many young carers miss school and fall behind with work. This film highlights what remains largely a hidden issue. Child carers describe the hardships they face at home and how difficult this can make coping at school. Sarah Jane has cared for her parents since I could walk. Her mum has cerebral palsy and her father Crohn's disease and severe depression. Ian and Gemma look after their mother, who suffers from a mental illness, as well as their younger sisters. Jenny Franks, head of the Children's Society Young Carers Initiative also features.

Video Series: School Matters
Release Date 2006