Charity Action for Children is calling for action to ensure that all young carers receive help and support during the summer holidays.
It’s estimated there are more than 1 million young carers across the UK who help care for a family member with an illness or disability.
But figures from 141 local authorities in England and Wales via a Freedom of Information request show 84,256 young carers under the age of 18 were registered, illustrating how many could be flying under the radar, the charity says.
Action for Children provides services to support young carers across the UK, giving them a break from their responsibilities, a chance to have fun and socialise with other young people who understand what they’re going through.
The Freedom of Information data also revealed inconsistent levels of support for young carers. Of the local authorities in England and Wales that responded, 29 (21%) said they either had no additional provision for young carers during the school holidays, or that the only extra provision was via services available to other children.
Some councils said they only funded staff posts for young carer services in their area, with all provision, trips and activities externally funded through things like grants, charity fundraising and donations. Others said they offered young carers support via things like discount cards for local leisure facilities and vouchers.
Research by Action for Children and the Carers Trust in 2023 revealed more than eight out of ten young carers feel lonely in the summer holidays, when their caring responsibilities often increase as they spend less time outside the home.
16-year-old Meghan attends Action for Children’s Young Carers in Pembrokeshire. She helps her parents look after her 12-year-old sister, Mia, who is autistic, has a learning disability, and is limited verbally. Their parents work opposite shifts as a nurse and a police officer, so Meghan’s support with Mia is invaluable. It can include tasks like getting her out of bed, supervising bathtime and playing games, as well as being an emotional support to Mia.
Meghan said:
“I didn't realise I was a young carer until a couple of years ago, when my sister’s social worker brought it up. It can feel really lonely, especially when people don't understand.
“Summer holidays can be very hard. All my friends go off on holiday or are out and about the whole time. That just isn’t an option for me, and I can feel isolated at times.
“Everything I do has to relate back to my sister and her needs. A lot of the time for me it feels more like being a third parent rather than a sibling – like I am living her life before my own or instead of my own.
“Attending young carers' has been a real lifeline to me. It feels like I can focus on myself without worrying about anything else.”
Laurie Ryall, National Director for Action for Children in Wales, said:
“We see firsthand in our services just how vital access to specialist support is for young carers.
“It gives them a break from their responsibilities, a chance to have fun and be a child, and to meet other young people in similar situations who understand what they’re going through.
“We also know the loneliness, anxiety and stress that can be placed on their shoulders, particularly during the long summer holidays when they’re not at school getting that social time out of the home.
“Services for young carers also give support workers an opportunity to spot problems early before they hit crisis point.
“Governments in Wales and across the UK must ensure councils have sufficient funding so that all young carers have access to these essential services.”
Singer-songwriter Charlotte Church said:
“Two years ago I had the absolute privilege of working with Action for Children and its Young Carers choir, a group of young carers aged six to 19 who found joy and escape through music. It was about connection, healing and release. For these brilliant children it was a way for them to have their own time, even for just a moment.
“The choir is just one of the amazing activities the charity provides young carers through its services in Wales. They offer essential support to give them respite, someone to talk to and to let off steam and make friends with other young people who get what they’re going through. It’s truly invaluable.
“But here is the hard truth – not enough young carers are getting that support. Governments across the UK must step up to make sure all local councils have the resources they need to reach these young people. They shouldn’t have to sacrifice their own childhoods to hold their families together. They deserve better and they deserve it now.”
