At We Talk Care, our mission is to shed light on the remarkable yet often overlooked efforts of thousands of young individuals who selflessly care for their family members on a daily basis.

According to the Carers Act, a young carer is defined as an individual under the age of 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person. Shockingly, Carers.org reports that as many as 1 in 5 young people may fall under the category of young carers.

These young heroes are essentially juggling a second shift in addition to their academic responsibilities. The impact of being a young carer extends beyond their present, affecting both their health and future prospects.

Disturbingly, they are twice as likely as their peers to report mental health conditions. Furthermore, 27% of young carers express that their caregiving duties at home create issues at school, with half indicating that caring for a family member negatively impacts their academic performance.

Key Challenges Faced by Young Carers

Recognition of their Role: Many young carers do not fully acknowledge themselves as such; they perceive their caregiving responsibilities as ordinary and might not know how to seek support.

Fear of Stigma: Young carers often conceal their caregiving roles due to concerns about societal stigma. This fear intensifies, especially in families dealing with mental health or addiction challenges.

Complex Experiences with Services: Numerous young carers have encountered challenges in dealing with public services or have not been proactively offered the support they require.

Societal Expectations: Society generally expects young people to be cared for rather than taking on caregiving responsibilities. It is crucial to recognise and embrace all young people's experiences and provide tailored support to help them thrive.

Support for Young Carers in the UK

Financial Assistance

Young carers can explore various grants and benefits to ease their financial burden. Organisations such as Citizen’s Advice and Carers.org can guide them in understanding the available funding options.

Academic Support

Balancing caregiving roles with academic pursuits often hinders schoolwork. Encourage young carers and their parents to communicate with teachers for tailored support with homework and learning.

Practical Assistance

The caregiving role can be overwhelming, and small acts of practical help can make a significant difference. Offer assistance with tasks like food shopping or preparing a healthy meal to lighten their load.

Free Time for Mental Well-being

Many young carers grapple with mental health issues. Providing them with some free time to unwind is essential. Step in to help with their caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to enjoy activities like going to the cinema or participating in youth groups with peers who share similar experiences.

Advocating for young carers and offering tangible support can contribute to their overall happiness and well-being.

At We Talk Care, we stand united in recognising and valuing the contributions of these young heroes, so please help us share our message of compassion and support by inviting them to join our caregiving network.