Catch 22

Date added: Thursday 15th July 2010
Latest updated: Wednesday 11th April 2012

Foundation offers escape from Catch 22 trap

"Young carers mature faster than most children and this can make it difficult to make friends, or even get along with people," says 18-year old Georgina Whiting Bailey whose childhood has been mired by the daily grind of caring for mentally ill parents and two autistic siblings. She says meetings organised by Tiverton charity Unite's project "Kids Who Care" offers a lifeline for her, and others. "It gives us something to look forward to, a chance to get out, meet new people and support other young carers. It allows us to have fun and provides happy memories."

There are few things worse in life than feeling powerless: How can you get a bank account if you're homeless? Break the cycle of debt if your creditor is a loan shark? Get a job if you suffer from mental illness and what is the point of working if you're better off on benefits? How can ex-offenders convince employers of their contribution with the stigma of a prison record?

Young carers trapped at home like Georgina struggle to make the friends or achieve the school grades that would set them free. Everyone deserves the chance to get on with their lives but in a Catch 22 many people find themselves trapped in no-win situations governed by rules from which they can't escape.

It only adds to the paradox that these kinds of traps are well known. Studies have repeatedly highlighted the link between poverty and low achievement and the prevalence of childhood disability amongst the poorest and most vulnerable families. There is a proven link between poor health and low income and everyone knows benefits don't always help people wanting to help themselves.

At Devon Community Foundation, we know that "one size fits all" remedies for some of society's most intractable problems rarely work. That is why the front line and expert groups we support are so essential. These charities can't wave a magic wand and put everything right, but they do offer Devon's most vulnerable people and communities support, inspiration and the ability to break with the past and move on with their lives.

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