Saoirse Hayden

Saoirse Hayden, 19, is a young adult carer from Co Leitrim who takes care of her two siblings, aged 17 and 12, both of whom have autism. She has bravely highlighted the challenges faced by young carers, particularly in dealing with complex mental health issues within her family. At Ireland's first National Young Carers Conference, she shared her experiences of violence and the lack of support for young carers, advocating for greater recognition and resources for this often-overlooked demographic.