麻豆社

The Carers Trust, a charity working with families, says it comes across children as young as five who are looking after family members.

5 Live's Lesley Ashmall spent time with 11-year-old Charlie, who cares for her sister and her disabled mum.

"I help with some of the cooking, the washing up, the cleaning," said Charlie. "I help bath my sister, read her a story, get her in to her pj's and up in to bed ready for her next day at reception. I make sure my mum takes her tablets at the correct time".

Her mum Jackie added: "she is my life support, just being there for everything, she fills in every little gap or crack that is appearing."

Charlie said she only gets a break when she goes to Honeypot House, a charity that offers respite care for young carers.

This clip is originally from 5 live Afternoon Edition Monday 3 August 2015.