Wednesday 12th March is Young Carers Action Day – a day to raise awareness of the UK’s Young Carers. A Young Carer is someone under the age of 18 (they may be as young as five) who looks after a family member or a friend who has a physical or mental health condition or misuses substances like drugs or alcohol. 

Young Carers do practical things like cooking, cleaning, shopping and going to doctors or to hospital appointments often for a family member who needs extra support. They also give emotional support to the person they are caring for. 

These responsibilities can impact their education, social life, and overall wellbeing. At Forward Carers we recognise the heavy responsibility that Young Carers carry and by working with specialised partners we can provide targeted support.

Real Stories: Alice and Daisy’s Journey

Through our partnership with the YMCA, we have helped Young Carers like Alice and Daisy navigate tough times, offering them the support they needed to thrive. By providing targeted interventions, their lives have been positively transformed.
Alice’s Journey
Daisy’s Journey

If you know a young person who is taking on caring responsibilities, help and support is available. We currently provide support to Young Carers living in Birmingham, Dudley and Wiltshire.

Supporting Young Carers in Schools

Schools and colleges play a crucial role in identifying and supporting Young Carers. By working closely with Young Carers, school staff have reported feeling better equipped to recognise and assist students in similar situations. They are also sharing their insights with colleagues to improve overall support.

Sally Arrandale from Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School shared her experience:

‘The support YMCA Sutton Coldfield has provided for BVGS has been invaluable. Students describe their meetings as a safe and open space to share things which other people might not understand. They are made to feel valued and empowered.

One student said they felt “seen” for the first time. The Youth Support Worker/Mentor helps us, as a school, to be aware of any difficulties and time-constraints a young carer has, so we can help provide additional academic and emotional support. Students look forward to their meetings and often emerge chuckling, feeling more relaxed and able to tackle anything.’

How We Can Help Your School Become Carer-Friendly

We can support your school, college, or university to become a Carer Friendly organisation, ensuring Young Carers are recognised and supported both emotionally and academically.

For more information, contact rachel.close@forwardcarers.org.uk.

Let’s work together to support and empower Young Carers!