Children in Need Funding Helps Young Carers Build Confidence
Charities in Cheshire and Lancashire backed by Children in Need are helping young carers and teenagers grow in confidence. Families and staff described respite, youth work and inclusive theatre, ahead of the 2026 telethon broadcast on November 13.
Charities funded by BBC Children in Need in northwest England are helping young carers and teenagers build confidence, families and staff said ahead of the 2026 appeal broadcast on November 13. The projects show why children need helping young, before isolation sets in.
A young carer in Cheshire
Rachel, 17, has cared for her brother Reuben for seven years. Reuben is 13 and has autism and learning difficulties. Their parents both work long hours for the NHS, so Rachel often steps in after school, at weekends and during some school holidays.
She is also revising for A-levels. "It does involve striking a balance between caring and revising and studying," she said. "It can be really difficult to plan hangouts with my friends."
Four years ago, her mother Mili heard about Cheshire Young Carers, which Children in Need supports. A social worker for Reuben had mentioned it. "I thought Rachel was very withdrawn and she felt quite isolated," Mili said.
The charity helps carers aged six to 18. It runs school holiday respite programmes, individual and group support, and works with schools and colleges. Mili said her daughter came home from the first meeting grateful for the community she had found.
Claire Worth, from the organisation, said education officers visit schools to identify young carers early. That lets children be referred to activities where they can "take time out for themselves and feel like they can have a guilt-free experience".
Youth work in Blackburn
Youth Action in Blackburn, Lancashire, has operated for 27 years. It aims to empower young people and tackle inequalities. Mevaish Mujahid, a senior development officer there, said the charity gives them "that ability to go out into the world and be independent".
Abdullah has used the service for three months. His mother wanted him to join because he was shy. "I've got a boost in my confidence that I can like talk publicly," he said.
Inclusive theatre in Blackpool
TramShed, a theatre company in Blackpool, Lancashire, also receives Children in Need funding. Eve Ellison, its head of creative programming, said inclusive theatre builds life skills. Many children who come to the company, she said, may not get to build those skills elsewhere.
Alice, who attends the workshops, described the atmosphere. "It feels like a massive family and I just feel really confident being around everyone," she said.
BBC Children in Need 2026 was scheduled to go out live on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 19:00 GMT on November 13.
