Vikki Slade MP champions young carers in Commons debate

Vikki Slade MP used a House of Commons debate on young people who are NEET — Not in Education, Employment or Training — to highlight the disproportionate impact on young carers and to raise the work of Broadstone-based charity MYTIME Young Carers.

During the debate, Vikki pointed out that young carers are significantly more likely to be out of education and work than their peers.

She told the House:

“MYTIME Young Carers in Dorset works to identify and support young people with caring responsibilities, as without information on their whereabouts, it is hard to target them for initiatives. In a recent national youth voice survey, one in three young carers aged 16 to 18 reported that they were not in education, employment or training."

"That is eight times the rate of the rest of their peers. What steps is the Department taking to level the playing field for young carers alongside their peers, so that they can fulfil their potential?”

Dissatisfied with the Minister’s response, Vikki has since written to the Department requesting a more detailed and targeted reply.

Vikki Slade MP said:

“Young carers take on extraordinary responsibilities at a very young age. Without tailored support, too many are slipping through the cracks and facing far poorer outcomes than they should.”

MYTIME Young Carers, based in Broadstone, supports young people with caring responsibilities by helping them stay engaged in education and to access employment opportunities.

Vikki has previously highlighted MYTIME’s work in Parliament, including in her maiden speech, and has an upcoming meeting with the charity and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey to discuss how their goals can be advanced nationally.

“I will continue to use my voice in Parliament to ensure young carers are properly recognised and supported,” she added.