Editorial

The author reflects on the invisibility of young carers in North America. According to the author, these young people are hyper-mature for their age and usually take on adult responsibilities in their families. He says these people sacrifice their childhood to care for family members. Information on support programmes for young carers in North America is provided.

The author emphasizes the need for cooperation between disabled people's organisations and carers' groups to push for more social care in Great Britain. According to the author, the debate about carers is enjoying its highest political profile in years but the voice of disabled people is seldom heard in it. She contends that the growing number of informal carers is evidence of what happens when an expansion in the numbers requiring support meets fast-retreating public services. She points out that it is hard to believe that politicians listen to carers.

The author comments on the lack of government funds to pay informal carers and finance adult care properly in Great Britain. He mentions that the response of the government to the imminent crisis in adult social care funding has been to establish committees to examine the care eligibility criteria as opposed to the £55 billion of funds allocated to ensure the survival of Northern Rock. He notes the low salary received by informal carers despite the fact that they save the nation about £60 billion annually.