Imagine juggling school, friendships, and growing up…
while also managing medications, cooking meals, or providing emotional support for a parent or sibling. This is the daily reality for young carers across the UK.
For #YoungCarersActionDay, we need to talk about the young people who are often unseen, unheard, and unsupported. These are children and teenagers stepping up to responsibilities far beyond their years—yet many go unnoticed by schools, employers, and policymakers.
The number of young carers in the UK is vastly underestimated.
Official figures from the 2021 Census recorded 120,000 young carers aged 5 to 17 in England. Yet, the 2024 School Census suggested the real number could be closer to 192,771, and a BBC survey in 2018 estimated as many as 820,000 young carers aged 11-15.
Worse still, 72% of schools reported having no young carers at all—a statistic that defies reality. If these young people remain invisible, they miss out on the support they desperately need.
A teenager I met a few years ago had been caring for his Dad since he was 10. Every morning, he helped with medication, managed household chores, and still made it to school, where no one knew he was a carer. His grades slipped, his confidence suffered, and by the time support was offered, he was already on the brink of dropping out.
His story isn’t rare. Too many young carers feel isolated, struggle with mental health, and enter adulthood carrying burnout before they’ve even started their careers.
Where Has This Happened?
- 1 in 5 young people could be young carers (Barnardo’s estimate).
- 27% of young carers say their mental health has worsened due to their caring responsibilities (Carers Trust).
- 80% of young carers miss school at some point because of their responsibilities (Children’s Society).
Yet, young carers develop incredible resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills, qualities that businesses say they need in future leaders. So why aren’t we doing more to recognise and nurture their potential?
How Can We Implement Change?
Imagine the young carer workforce as an untapped talent pipeline; full of resourceful, emotionally intelligent, and determined individuals. Yet, if we fail to support them, we risk losing a generation of potential leaders before they even get started. For employers, educators, and policymakers, here’s how we can support young carers now and in the future:
- Increase Awareness in Schools & Workplaces: Encourage young people to self-identify as carers without stigma or fear. Provide signposted support through school mentors or HR initiatives.
- Flexible Learning & Working Policies: Many young carers juggle responsibilities well into adulthood. Organisations should create flexible pathways into education and employment, recognising the skills they’ve gained.
- Partnerships with Carer Charities: Companies can support initiatives for Young Carers to fund resources, mentorships, and training for young carers transitioning into the workforce.
Let’s Talk
How can businesses, schools, and communities better support young carers? Let’s celebrate their incredible work and create real change.
#WellbeingWednesday #Wellbeing #FutureWorkforce #HR #MentalHealth #Stress #Burnout #Carers
