Young Carers Action Day – how to support young carers

13 Mar 24

Today is Young Carers Action Day and an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of young carers across the country.

The day is led by the Carers Trust who identified that 1 in 3 young carers struggle to balance caring with their education and this can have a big impact on whether they can get on at school, go to university, or get a job or an apprenticeship.

HPFT works alongside Carers in Hertfordshire who have over 2,770 young carers registered between the ages 4-18.

A young carer, like adult carers, provides care to a family member who has a disability, physical or mental illness, a life-limiting condition, misuses substances or is elderly. They may provide practical help around the home or emotional support to the person they look after or other family members.

Many people, including young carers, do not think of themselves as carers, they feel what they do is being a relative or friend. However, it’s important that they identify their caring role, so they access support to help them look after their own health and wellbeing.

If you are a young carer, the Young Carers Team from Carers in Hertfordshire is available to help. They offer social, emotional and practical support to help you have a break from caring and lead a life of your own. They may help by visiting you at home or school and talking to you about your caring situation or assist you with big life changes such as progressing to secondary school or choosing education or work options. They also help young carers share their views and experiences to shape services through consultations or their Young Carers’ Council, and organise activities where you can meet other young carers, have a break from caring, and may even learn new skills or develop existing ones.

To find out more about the support available visit: What is a Young Carer? - Carers In Herts or call 01992 58 69 69.

There are also national organisations who can offer support and advice:

Carers Trust – Carers Trust runs a network of local carer organisations in England, Scotland and Wales. They offer information, advice, practical support and/or care in the home to unpaid carers of all ages. Many of the local carer organisations in the Network have dedicated services for young carers and young adult carers.

Tel: 0300 772 9600
Website: www.carers.org

Young Minds
The UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Carers UK
Carers UK is there to listen, to give you expert information and guidance, to champion your rights and support you in finding new ways to manage at home, at work, or wherever you are.

Tel: 020 7378 4999

Website: www.carersuk.org

Related Pages

Young Carers Action Day – how to support young carers