A young Wisbech carer who helps look after his two brothers is helping to raise awareness of a charity that supports young people like him.
Twelve-year-old Arthur Dodkin is the face of Centre 33's winter appeal and has spoken of the support the charity has given him away from his family.
Arthur is the middle of Sarah and Ben Dodkin's three sons, and spends a lot of his time helping his older brother Harrison and younger brother Finley, who both have Juvenile Batten Disease - a life-limiting condition that has already robbed the two brothers of their eyesight.
Arthur has more to think about than most twelve-year-olds because, besides keeping up with school and friends, he helps Harrison and Finley get ready for school, dinner and bed.
He also helps them with activities and describes places to help them navigate their sight loss.
Arthur also provides a listening ear for his brothers when they need someone to talk to other than their parents.
Arthur isn’t alone. Across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, 25,000 young carers aged 11 to 16 care for a family member with an illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction.
Many feel hidden and isolated. They often miss out on opportunities, take more days off school than their peers and find it hard to build friendships.
Sarah said: “Our biggest worry with Arthur is that he doesn't put himself first. He has all the time in the world for everybody else. He's already become the big brother out of the three, even though chronologically he's the middle one.
“His brothers both have juvenile Batten disease, which is a rare degenerative, life-limiting condition. It has caused blindness in both boys. It brings with it childhood dementia, seizures and over time they'll become fully dependent on us for all of their needs. Eventually, Arthur will become the only boy.”
Arthur loves looking after his brothers, but it isn't always easy, and he does worry. He struggles to find time for himself, making normal things like going to the park with friends more difficult.
To find him support, Sarah turned to local charity Centre 33 and says he has “flourished ever since”.
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Based across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Centre 33 provides free and confidential support for young people up to 25, spanning issues including mental health, housing, sexual health and caring responsibilities.
Centre 33 has shared Arthur’s story in its 2025 Winter Appeal, A Space That’s About Me: Arthur’s Story, to highlight the challenges facing young carers and the impact of flexible, holistic support.
Centre 33 gave Arthur a space to talk about his worries and feelings, a chance to meet other young carers in group activities and support navigating his move to secondary school.
Arthur said: “I feel really happy when I come to Centre 33. I can just speak freely and not have any pressure on myself because now I know I'm not the only person who struggles. It makes me feel like I belong. Centre 33 gave me a space that's just about me.”
I feel really happy when I come to Centre 33. I can just speak freely and not have any pressure on myself because now I know I'm not the only person who struggles. It makes me feel like I belong. Centre 33 gave me a space that's just about me.” – Arthur, 12.
Beth Green, chief executive officer at Centre 33, said: “Giving young carers a space to focus on their own feelings, meet other young people with caring roles and find practical support to navigate challenges can make an incredible difference.
"They tell us they feel listened to, seen and able to take steps towards a brighter and more confident future.”
Last year, 83% of young carers who came to Centre 33 said they felt less isolated after support.
Centre 33 is urging the community to support its Winter Appeal and give more young carers a space that’s just for them this winter.
To donate, visit www.centre33.org.uk/donate.
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