Today, the 12th of March, 2025 marks Young Carers Action Day. It is estimated there are *6,000 young carers in West Sussex. And there is work to be done in recognising these young carers so they can be given the support they need. Whether that is at school, work or how best they can be assisted at home with their caring role!
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event, organised and led by Carers Trust, who encourage as many organisations, communities and individuals as possible to take part in the day by taking action, supporting and raising awareness of young carers.
Carers Trust consulted with hundreds of young carers, to determine this year’s theme: ‘Give me a break’. This theme highlights two crucial areas of support young carers need.
First, young carers have so much responsibility on their shoulders that they often have little time for themselves and are at serious risk of burnout. They need a break. Young carers are significantly more likely to report severe psychological distress then their peers without a caring role. They need time out from their caring responsibilities to rest, recharge and focus on themselves – be it for a hobby, or just spending time with friends, like other people their age.
The ‘Give Me A Break’ theme also speaks to young carers’ need for education professionals and employers to give them a break in life. This could be offering more support at school to young carers, recognising that their responsibilities at home can mean they often feel overwhelmed at having to juggle their caring responsibilities with their schoolwork. By trying to understand these pressures more fully, and helping young carers manage them, education professionals can give young carers the break they need to succeed at school and in further and higher education.
Support in West Sussex for young carers
Carers support work in partnership with the Young Carers Family Service to offer a group dedicated to support young carers, called: My Future.
My Future offers support for young carers, doubles up as an opportunity to meet other young carers and have time away from their caring role. The group hosts fun activities such as bowling, going to the theatre, eating out, escape rooms, movie nights and more.
The My Future groups meet monthly in Chichester, Crawley, and Worthing and are FREE to join! The group allows young carers to:
- Prioritise wellbeing
- Give time to focus on themselves in their own right
- Develop independence
- Have time for fun and relaxation
- Increase coping strategies
- Move into adult carer support services (Carers Support West Sussex) after 18 years
- Develop life skills e.g. managing a budget, first aid and cooking
How to join My Future
If you’re a young carer in West Sussex aged 16 – 17, then register through the Young Carers Family Service. Alternatively, if you know of someone who is a young carer who needs support, please encourage them to get in touch.
Call 01903 270300
Email youngcarers@westsussex.gov.uk
Visit westsussex.gov.uk/youngcarers
All young carers need is for schools, colleges, universities and employers to give them a break.
*Source West Sussex County Council Young Carers Family Service
