Young Carers Action Day 2026
Young Carers Action Day is all about raising awareness of young carers, the challenges they face and calling for more support.
Carers Trust is joining young carers in calling for a Young Carer Lead in every school and education setting. This will help young carers get the support they need to balance their schoolwork with the pressures of their caring role.
There are an estimated one million young carers in the UK, including some as young as five. Many take on serious responsibilities as the data from our recent survey shows:
- Over one in five have to regularly get up at night to help the person they care for
- One in five give first aid
- Almost half are responsible for giving medicine
- A third have to help the person they care for get washed or dressed
These responsibilities often affect their education. Fewer than half of young carers leave secondary school with five GCSEs, and less than half leave primary school with expected standards in reading, writing, and Maths.
Hear from Sarah and Ezra (aged 15 and 13), two young carers, as they explain the challenges they’ve faced, including at school.
A Young Carers Lead in every school!
A Young Carers Lead is a designated member of staff responsible for identifying young carers and ensuring they get the support they need.
Having a Young Carers Lead helps schools to:
- Understand a young carer’s individual needs.
- Support young carers in balancing caring responsibilities with learning.
- Improve opportunities for young carers and their well-being.
The Children and Families Act 2014, and the Care Act 2014, both have strengthened young carers' rights. Local authorities have a duty to offer all young carers an assessment of need — no matter how old they are, who they look after, how many hours they provide support for, and why they care.
Young Adult Carers are also entitled to a transition assessment before they turn 18. This ensures that they have the support they need as they begin their adult life.
Being a young person with caring responsibilities can be challenging as some feel stressed, anxious, have to miss school and joining friends and social events or even planning for the future. But research shows that young carers are resilient and value the closeness of the person they care for.
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