Young Carers
Are you a Young Carer?
Young carers are children and young people aged under 18 who provide care for another family member. This might be because the family member has an illness or disability and therefore needs a some extra help at home.
Caring for someone else is hard. Being a Young Carer can feel very lonely at times as looking after someone takes time. This means finding time for school work, activities and seeing friends is harder. Other people might find it hard to understand this. There are places that can help and you don’t need to do everything by yourself. Talking to people can really help.
Carers Rights Day – Thursday 20 November 2025
Theme: Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights
Every day, around 12,000 people in the UK become unpaid carers—supporting a partner, relative, or friend who is ill, disabled, or elderly. Many don’t realise they’re carers or know about the rights and support available to them.
Carers Rights Day is a national awareness campaign that highlights the importance of recognising carers and ensuring they understand their legal rights. Whether someone is caring full-time or balancing care with work, study, or family life, support is available.
Carers UK, a charity that has championed carers’ rights for over 60 years, is working to:
• Make caring a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010
• Ensure carers are not discriminated against due to their responsibilities
• Improve access to financial support, NHS services, and social care
• Promote better workplace rights, including paid time off to care
This year, we’re encouraging everyone to learn how carers’ rights can help you or someone you know to:
✔ Access practical and financial support
✔ Balance caring with work or education
✔ Look after your own health and wellbeing
✔ Navigate hospital discharge and care transitions
To find out more, visit www.carersuk.org
Useful resource that provides helpful insights for parents and guardians to
understand why their child may be eligible for support as a Yo
ung Carer.
ASK ME - identifying young carers
Carers Week took place from 9th–15th June 2025, under the inspiring slogan “Caring About Equality”. It was a valuable opportunity to reach out and start meaningful conversations with those who dedicate their time to caring for others. We worked to ensure their voices were heard, that they felt recognised, and that they received the support they deserved. A small gesture of understanding made a big difference in their lives.
At Beechwood Primary School, we proudly celebrated Carers Week by listening to the heartfelt stories of two incredible students who care for their siblings. Their experiences were truly inspiring, showcasing the strength, kindness, and compassion that young carers demonstrate every day. Their stories remind us that caring for others is one of the most powerful acts of kindness, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they support. The beautiful artwork they created, along with their thoughtful messages, perfectly captures the warmth and love they have for those they care for.
LYCCS collaborates closely with a range of settings to support young carers and their families, providing access to opportunities within the local community. Please contact LYCCS for additional information and signposting services.
At University Centre Leeds, the mentoring scheme is designed to empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds by providing personalised guidance, inspiration, and practical support on their journey to higher education. Open to students from diverse groups—including those from low-income households, care-experienced individuals, sanctuary seekers, student carers, mature learners, and students with disabilities—the program helps participants navigate key aspects of university life. Through one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and tailored application support, University Centre Leeds equips students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. Whether exploring higher and degree apprenticeships, understanding student finance, or preparing for UCAS applications, the scheme ensures participants gain valuable insights and skills to successfully transition into higher education.
Young Carers collaborates with Kooth, the leading digital platform dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of young people.
Wednesday, 12 March 2025, is Young Carers Action Day. This year's theme is "Give Me A Break" because young carers deserve time to rest, recharge, and have a fair chance to succeed in school and work. #YoungCarersActionDay
On Wednesday, 12 March 2025, we marked Young Carers Action Day, an important occasion to recognise and celebrate young carers. This year’s theme, "Give Me A Break," highlights the vital need for these incredible individuals to rest, recharge, and have an equal opportunity to thrive in both school and work. As part of this initiative, our school counsellors were invited to use their creative talents to draw or compose poems that reflect the experiences of young carers . The discussions surrounding this theme and the remarkable work that has been created are truly inspiring. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed and helped bring this theme to life.
What we want you to know about being a young carer.
Across West Yorkshire, many young people care for members of their family. Young carers have told us that it can make a real difference to their lives and wellbeing when they are identified and supported as a young carer by their friends and teachers.
Support for Young Carers
If you are a young carer and would like to talk to someone about it and get some support, here are the contact details for the Leeds Young Carers Support Service who will be able to help:
Telephone: 0113 733 9126
E-mail: leedsyoungcarers@family-action.org.uk
Hollyshaw House, 2 Hollyshaw Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 7BD
Click on the link below to visit the Leeds Young Carers Support Service website for lots more information:
Click here to view the Leeds Young Carers website
MindMate helps young people in Leeds find out more about being a young carer, how they can care for themselves and links to other emotional support available to them. Getting help - MindMate
