There are 175,000 young carers in Britain today, losing out on childhood after taking on the enormous responsibility of caring for a parent or sibling who is mentally or physically disabled or has alcohol or drug problems – often without outside help.

The second programme in the Born Survivors season of programmes today focuses on Melissa (12) and Ryan (14), who share a big load on young shoulders. Since their dad left six years ago, they’ve been looking after their sick mother, Corinna, who suffers from chronic depression, severe mood swings and now osteoporosis as a consequence of her medication. She is largely housebound, her physical mobility has deteriorated and she has lost feeling in her hands.

Mum needs a lot of emotional and physical support and the children help in every way they can. At home, they help manage her depression and mood swings. On top of their homework they cook, clean, do the shopping, the laundry, keep the house tidy and lock up at night. In the past, they have dealt with serious accidents and psychiatric episodes. They have both missed school in order to care for their mum – jeopardising their education. With mum’s help they work out the family finances and pay the bills. Money is tight and the children make sacrifices to help balance the budget.

Melissa and Ryan are acutely aware of the stigma of mental illness and have chosen to keep their home lives very private for fear that they may be bullied. They believe young carers like them need to be better supported and their lives better understood.

But, despite the hardships, Melissa and Ryan have kept their sense of humour. Through good times and bad they support mum and each other and see the funny side of even the darkest moments. They both have aspirations for the future. Ryan is CSI-mad and dreams of being a forensic scientist. Melissa thinks about working with children or becoming a beautician.

Looking After Mum explores how Melissa and Ryan’s roles as carers have affected their lives. As mum’s health continues to deteriorate, what kind of future do they face?

The season continues next Tuesday on BBC Three.

Wednesday 12 December
9.00-10.00pm BBC THREE