Kierah's story - "She's not alone"

Kierah is 9 years old and cares for her older sister Kayleigh who has Central Core Disease, a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Kayleigh uses a wheelchair and needs 24/7 care. Kierah is her mum’s right-hand person: she helps around the house doing household chores, minds her two younger siblings and when mum isn’t well, helps with Kayleigh’s personal care.

We have been supporting Kierah for the last year. She started out in the Heroes group which meets for 6 sessions and aims to improve young carers’ self-esteem, share new skills and explore issues through creative play and activities. Young carers quickly make friends and have a lot of fun too.

We have seen Kierah’s confidence grow enormously and she now takes part in Young Carers Voice, where she is the youngest member! This is a monthly forum where young carers meet to discuss issues that matter to them and meet with professionals to raise awareness and influence policy.

Through Young Carers Voice, Kierah has met with the South Gloucestershire Policy Steering Group and described issues affecting her and how she copes at school. She also took part in making the hospital film for National Young Carers Awareness Day.

Kierah’s mum says: “The support has made such a difference. Kierah now feels part of something rewarding. It gives her a break from caring and she meets others in similar situations; so she knows she’s not alone.”