I see, I see, what you don’t see: raising awareness of young carers in Flanders

One in five young people in Flanders takes on a caring role for a family member or loved one. Yet many of them remain invisible.

With the campaign “I see, I see, what you don’t see”, Steunpunt Mantelzorg aims to shine a light on the realities of young carers and encourage greater recognition, understanding and support.

Young carers are often hidden in plain sight. They help a parent with a chronic illness, support a brother or sister with a disability, worry about a family member with mental health challenges, or take on practical responsibilities at home. Yet many do not identify themselves as young carers.

There are still many stereotypes and misconceptions. Some people believe that children and young people do not really provide care. Others feel that what they do is “not enough” to be considered a young carer. Many have never heard the term before, while others do not want a label attached to them. Some fear being treated differently, receiving unwanted attention or being met with pity.

Talking about their situation is often not easy. Sharing caregiving experiences requires vulnerability, especially at a stage in life where fitting in and being seen as “normal” can feel important. As a result, many young carers continue to carry their responsibilities quietly and without recognition.

The campaign focuses specifically on secondary school pupils and student carers in higher education, two groups that are often difficult to reach but for whom recognition can make a significant difference. Through recognisable stories, real-life care situations and targeted awareness activities, the campaign invites young people to reflect on their own situation and helps professionals better recognise the signs of young caring.

At its core, the campaign is about making the invisible visible.

By increasing awareness and challenging stereotypes, we hope to contribute to a society where young carers are recognised for who they are, where their experiences are understood, and where they feel safe to ask for support when needed.