Emily Baxter-Derrington

Emily Baxter Derrington, a 14 year old young carer, has been registered with the Young Carers Service at Sutton Carers Centre since April 2011. Emily is caring for her brother who has a diagnosis of depression and alcohol misuse problems. Emily, therefore has taken additional responsibilities as a result of her brother's mental health difficulties. Emily provides support, both emotional and physical and she carries out an increased amount of household duties to support both of her parents.

In the early days Emily was under a lot of pressure, the problems at home were affecting her emotional development. However, with the support provided by Sutton Carers Centre and through Emily's family building on their pre-existing strengths, they are all coping much better with the challenges they have been faced with and Emily is now feeling a lot more positive.

If Emily were to be given the opportunity to be a torch bearer, this would recognise not only the progress Emily has made to date but also the contribution all Young Carers to our society.