Award-winning teenager is inspiring fellow young carers across Leicestershire
An award-winning teenager is acting as an inspiration for other young people who balance school work with caring for a loved one.
Rhianna Reid (18) is writing a book to support primary school aged children who look after relatives using her own lived experience of caring for her dad.
She has also delivered presentations to school staff, helping them recognise the signs that a pupil may be a young carer, as part of her passion to ensure professionals can help young carers get the support they need.
Earlier this year, Rhianna’s work to advocate for fellow young carers earned her the Leicestershire Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year Award.
“No day is ever normal when you're a young carer,” explained Rhianna.
“For me, it's making sure my dad's OK, that he's had his medication, eaten, showered and changed himself.
“I'm just being there for him really, making sure he's doing well.
“I never realised I was a young carer until my sister's support worker mentioned it when I was about 14 or 15. I'd been a young carer for years and just never knew.
“We got in touch with Leicestershire County Council and were offered support from a youth worker.
“That support made a huge difference, from one-to-one chats and help choosing my college course, to support with my GCSEs and giving me space away from my caring role.”
She added: “Not many children know what a young carer is and neither do many adults.
“Young carers don't always want to talk about how they're feeling because they're used to the attention being on someone else.
“The best thing someone can do is be there for them, whether that's a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk to or simply spending time together.
“You never know what someone is going through at home, so don't jump to conclusions if they're running late or haven't handed in their homework.”
Councillor Charles Pugsley, lead member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “Rhianna is an exceptional young woman whose determination and positivity are truly inspiring.
“As well as supporting her dad, she has worked tirelessly as an advocate for other young carers.
"We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and grateful for the efforts she is making to raise awareness.”
Despite juggling all her commitments, Rhianna is heading to Loughborough University to study sports coaching after achieving top grades in a BTEC in the subject.
She now aims to establish a sports programme for other young carers to help get them out of the house and support good mental health.
Rhianna is also hoping her book is eventually published so she can continue her mission to bang the drum for fellow young carers and educate others about the challenges they face.
You can go online at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/young-carers if you think you may be a young carer.
There you can access help from the county council’s Young Carers Team, including access to support groups, Young Carers’ Passports and support workers.