This Documentary Shares Intimate Glimpse Into the Lives of Young Carers in East London

A new documentary launching during Carers Week 2026 shines a light on the lives of young carers in Waltham Forest, celebrating the power of community and the resilience of young people balancing being a young adult with their caring responsibilities.

Is Mum OK follows a group of young carers as they attend Young Carers Club, a fortnightly respite evening where they can socialise, eat and spend time with others who understand their experiences. Guided by advocate and young carers coordinator Satvinder Bhatt, the film captures both the challenges and moments of joy that come with caring from a young age, while underscoring the need for better support for young carers across the UK.

Commissioned by Guardian Documentaries and produced by Uncommon Creative Studio, the film was directed by Rosie Morris, who had first hand experience of being a carer for her mother. It premieres during Carers Week 2026, whose theme is ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities' - calling for better recognition, understanding, and practical support for the millions of people providing unpaid care.

There are estimated to be at least one million young carers in the UK - equivalent to around two in every classroom - many of whom remain unidentified and unsupported.

Rosie Morris, director of Is Mum Ok, says, “This story is deeply personal to me, rooted in my own experience of caring for a loved one. Caring for my mother three years ago was one of the hardest and most meaningful experiences I have ever had. My difficulty in transitioning out of being a carer and entering normal life again caused me to wonder, what would it have been like if you had to provide physical and emotional support to a family member from a young age, as a child? And how would you get a break from that caring role, if you were the only one able to provide it?”

​Charlie Gatsky Sinclair, president of brands and entertainment at Uncommon Creative Studio, comments, “This is a deeply human story about resilience, love and community. We wanted to create a film that gives young carers the visibility and recognition they deserve, while showing the extraordinary strength they demonstrate every day. Launching the film during Carers Week feels especially important, as this year’s theme reminds us that no carer should feel isolated or unsupported.”

​Ekaterina Ochagavia, executive producer for Guardian Documentaries, comments, “We believe in the power of documentaries to help us understand the world we live in. We were delighted to work with talented director Rosie Morris and the whole team to highlight the perspectives of young carers. We look forward to seeing audiences connect with this real, nuanced, joyous film.”

Prominent UK charity Carers Trust is delighted to see the release of the documentary on theguardian.com, which will help to raise awareness of the experiences and needs of young carers across the UK.

Campaigners, including Carers Trust, are calling for a dedicated Young Carers Lead in every school and education setting across the UK, and for any individual or organisation to sign The Young Carers Covenant, a nationwide commitment to support both young carers and young adult carers.

Watch Is Mum OK here.