Three inspiring young people from Salford feature in a ground-breaking portrait exhibition, at The Lowry, Salford Quays, which reveals a glimpse into their courageous lives as young carers.
The exhibition, Hidden, tells the story of England’s 166,000 young carers – 529 of whom live in Salford. These figures are the tip of the iceberg, according to The Children’s Society, which worked with young carers to curate the exhibition.
Kerry, 17, from Salford, cares for both her parents and is studying business at college and would like to be an accountant in the future.
Bradwin, 12, from Salford, looks after his mum who has a blood disease. He wants to become a professional footballer – Messi and Ronaldo are his heroes.
Klariece, 12, from Salford, cares for her younger brother who has Angelman Syndrome. She is passionate about her caring role and does a lot to raise awareness of young carers and Angelman Syndrome.
Photographed by Max Alexander, an award-winning photographer and former young carer, the exhibition uncovers the overwhelming responsibilities that affect young carers’ well-being and education.
Young carers are children under 18 who provide practical or emotional support for a parent, sibling or other relative who has a physical disability, mental health problems or substance misuse issues.
The portraits convey stories of hope and courage, of children who have spoken up and created major change in schools, the health service and Parliament.
The free exhibition, which opened on Tuesday 8 November, is open daily from 10am in The Lowry’s Aldridge Studio until Thursday 24 November.
Rob Jackson, North Area Director at The Children’s Society, said he hoped the exhibition would wake visitors up to the reality of life for the country’s young carers.
He said: “Hidden raises awareness of the needs of young carers and their families. I hope, like me, you will find their messages moving and inspiring. The Children’s Society is working to make sure that their stories are no longer hidden from view and they receive the support they need to enjoy their childhoods and fulfil their potential.”
Paul Moran, manager of Salford Carers Centre, said: “We are very proud to be involved in the Hidden exhibition. As a service we see a vital part of our work as being raising awareness of young carers and being pro-active in the increased identification of presently hidden young carers. Our Salford young carers involved in the exhibition are sending out a message on a local and national level – saying it’s ok to stand up and say you’re a young carer. And as a city we should be extremely proud of them.”
The exhibition will be complemented by a new play Who Cares?, which is showing on Tuesday 22 November. It highlights the reality facing some young people who – often under the radar of social services, their schoolteachers and friends – provide care to family members with a physical disability, an illness, a mental health issue or a drug or alcohol dependency.
The play, which was commissioned by The Lowry in partnership with Salford Carers Service, is the culmination of more than a year’s research and interviews with young people by verbatim theatre specialists, LUNG.
