Victims of social isolation tell their stories during tour of the region

A YOUNG carer who does not have the time for a social life and new mothers isolated after the birth of their children, who had all experienced loneliness, were among people who told the minister their stories.

Student Megan Kitching, 17, from Huddersfield, met Loneliness Minister Tracey Crouch with members of Kirklees Young Carers.

She juggles her studies at Wakefield College’s Rugby Academy with caring for her father, who has multiple sclerosis.

Miss Kitching, who is helping Kirklees Young Carers to develop a group for young adult carers, said: “I prioritise my home life over my social life – I don’t do much.

“After a gruelling day at college I just want to go to sleep, but I have jobs to do, like organising my dad’s tablets and cooking.”

Research published yesterday showed that those who have a caring responsibility are 37 times more likely to experience loneliness than other people.

Miss Kitching added: “I know quite a few young carers and must don’t get the chance to do much for themselves.

“A lot are quite lonely – and you can feel isolated.”

Also meeting Ms Crouch was Kathleen Courtney, secretary of Windybank Activities For All, Liversedge, which has set up a new group for parents and children.

“There is a real need for the group because there’s nothing like this in the area, not since the children’s centre closed down,” she said.

“And it’s not just about the loneliness parents might feel, but the kids too.

“When they come to the group, the children have the chance to play together.”