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Young Carers Action Day

Young Carers Action Day is a special event that highlights the amazing contributions of young carers. These young people often juggle school and home responsibilities, providing crucial support to family members who are sick, disabled, or have mental health issues.

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Mobilize schools, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations to recognize and support young carers through awareness campaigns and community action initiatives.

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Share real stories from young carers about balancing school and caregiving responsibilities
Highlight resources and support services available to young carers and their families
Organize school assemblies and community events that celebrate young carers' contributions
Create a social media campaign with branded hashtag encouraging donations of school supplies and support items

History

Young Carers Action Day started as Young Carers Awareness Day. This special day was first observed in 2015, thanks to Carers Trust.

It aimed to shine a light on the hard work and sacrifices of young carers who balance school and home responsibilities while caring for family members.

In 2020, the event was renamed Young Carers Action Day to focus more on taking action to support young carers.

The age range for those recognized was expanded from under 18 to include young adults up to 25 years old. The date was also moved to March 16 to allow for better alignment with other awareness events.

Carers Trust, which resulted from a merger between The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care in 2012, organizes this day.

They wanted to raise awareness about the challenges faced by young carers and provide them with better support.

The day emphasizes the importance of recognizing young carers’ contributions and ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive.

How to celebrate

Host a Young Carers Party

Why not throw a fun-filled party for young carers? Invite friends, family, and neighbors. Decorate with bright balloons, streamers, and banners celebrating young carers. Organize games, karaoke, and a photo booth. Everyone loves a good time, and this party will also raise awareness.

Create Art Together

Get creative with a community art project. Gather young carers and their friends to paint a mural or create a big collage. Art is a fantastic way to express feelings and stories. Display the finished masterpiece in a local community center for all to admire.

School Assemblies Rock

Organize a special school assembly dedicated to young carers. Invite a young carer to speak about their experiences. This can help other students understand their unique challenges. Add some music, a short video, and a skit performed by the drama club.

Social Media Shout-Out

Use social media to spread the word. Post stories, pictures, and facts about young carers. Create a unique hashtag and encourage others to use it. Share resources and ways to help. The more people know the more support young carers will get.

Community Support Drive

Hold a community support drive. Collect items like school supplies, books, and games for young carers. Set up a collection point at a local library or community center. This small gesture can make a big difference in their lives.

FAQ

What kinds of responsibilities do young carers typically have?

Young carers often help with a wide range of tasks, which can include practical jobs like cooking, cleaning, shopping, and managing household bills, as well as personal care such as helping someone wash, dress, or move around. Many also provide emotional support, help with medication, translate or interpret for a family member, or look after younger siblings when a parent is unwell. The level of responsibility can be high, and some children spend 50 hours a week or more on caring duties.

How common is it for children and young adults to be young carers?

Research suggests that between about 2 and 8 percent of children and young people may have significant caring responsibilities, although some studies report even higher figures. In the United Kingdom, estimates indicate around 1 million young carers under 18, with thousands of them caring for 50 or more hours each week. Similar research in Europe suggests that roughly 4 to 10 percent of young people could be young carers, but many are not officially identified, so true numbers are likely higher.

What impact can being a young carer have on education and future opportunities?

Young carers are more likely than their peers to miss school, arrive late, or struggle to complete homework because of their responsibilities, which can lead to lower grades and reduced chances of progressing in education. Studies also show that young adult carers are less likely to be in employment or higher education than similar young people who do not have caring roles. These gaps can persist into adulthood, affecting earning potential and long‑term life opportunities.

How does caring affect the mental and physical health of young carers?

Young carers report higher levels of stress, worry, and exhaustion than many of their peers, especially when they provide intense care or feel solely responsible for a family member. Research has found that children and young people who provide more than 50 hours of unpaid care a week are significantly more likely to say they are not in good health. Young carers also face higher risks of anxiety, depression, and self‑harm compared with those who do not have caring roles.

What legal rights do young carers have in the United Kingdom?

In the UK, the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014 give young carers specific rights. Local authorities must identify young carers, assess their needs in their own right, and consider the whole family’s situation. A young person who provides care is entitled to a young carer’s needs assessment, which should look at whether they are taking on inappropriate or excessive caring and what support would help them stay safe, healthy, and engaged in education.

How can schools and colleges better support young carers?

Specialist guidance for schools recommends actively identifying young carers, having a named staff member responsible for them, and building flexibility into attendance, homework, and deadlines. Good practice includes offering quiet spaces, access to counseling, and liaison with local carers’ services. Schools are encouraged to treat pupils as partners in planning support, protect their privacy, and ensure that staff understand how caring can affect concentration, behavior, and participation in school life.

Why are so many young carers “hidden” or not officially identified?

Many young carers are not recognized because families may fear stigma, intervention, or separation, so they do not disclose what children are doing at home. Young people themselves sometimes see caring as a normal part of family life and do not realize they are entitled to support. Research also shows that schools, health services, and social care do not always ask the right questions or record caring roles consistently, which means official statistics can significantly underestimate how many young carers there are.