Young carers support

MYTIME Young Carers - Supporting young carers across the UK

Levelling the playing field

Young carers make an extraordinary contribution every day, often balancing their education, friendships and wellbeing alongside caring responsibilities at home. Without the right support, many can face additional barriers to attendance, achievement, mental health, and future opportunities.

MYTIME Young Carers works to ensure that young carers are recognised, valued and given the opportunities, support and understanding they deserve.

Visit MYTIME Young Carers site

Who are young carers?

A young carer is a child, under the age of 18, who provides care for or intends to provide care for another person in their family. Young carers could provide care for their parents, siblings or grandparents, or anyone in the home.

Reason why a person may need help

Physical disability

Mental health condition

Long-term illness

Physical disability

Mental health condition

Long-term illness

SEND

Substance misuse

Age-related health

SEND

Substance misuse

Age-related health

School support

Through this resource, schools and settings can access a range of practical tools, guidance and opportunities to help identify, support and empower young carers. Explore training, resources, best practice, school-based programmes and support, all designed to help create inclusive environments where young carers can flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

Together, we can ensure that no child's potential is limited by their caring role and that every young carer has the champion they deserve.

How to access support

It is completely free for a child to register with MYTIME Young Carers and access the programmes.

Please note: MYTIME ask that registration is completed by the young carer’s family, providing as much detail as possible. Professionals can also register a young carer, but this must only be done with the family’s permission and, wherever possible, in collaboration with the family to ensure that as much relevant information as possible is provided.

Once the registration has been submitted, a member of our team will be in touch.

Additional support available through MYTIME Young Carers

Making Memories programme

Offers breaks and safe spaces where young carers can simply be themselves, fostering friendships and connection through shared experiences. We extend our support to the wider family, too.

Employability Programme

Helps build confidence, life skills, and a strong sense of self-worth. Support for young adult carers in finding training, advice, experience, and pathways into work.

Community Champion Programme

MYTIME Young Carers partner with social clubs and community groups to create more inclusive, welcoming spaces for young carers to get involved in.

“

The support at school since MYTIME got involved has improved my wellbeing - I didn’t like coming into to school because I felt misunderstood. Since the support has been in place I have built good relationships with staff and knew who I could talk to when I needed support. Individual teachers are more understanding of my situation, because of the training they have had from MYTIME. I feel less anxious as I know I can speak to them and there are reasonable judgements.

Young Carer

“

Working with MYTIME has encouraged all staff (teaching and support) to always be aware and conscious of the needs of the young people we work with. It has opened our eyes to the complexities of family life for young carers and the respect we must all have for their wellbeing. As a result, our culture is more inclusive, more needs-led and (crucially) far more celebratory of their achievements.

Headteacher

“

MYTIME have sparked a culture shift across school in raising awareness for staff and students alike on the lives of our young carers. We have worked hard to build a culture where our young carers can have trust in us to support them when they need it, to feel heard and to have a safe space to socialise and connect. This in turn has had a positive effect on students’ wellbeing.

Young Carer Champion

“

It is my belief that attendance has increased because the young carers enjoy being at school. This is due to the culture that has been created and the fact that there are now multiple members of staff that each young carer can approach for help and support. We have appointed an exceptional Young Carer Champion, who really listens to the needs of the young carers. We provide opportunities for them to feedback on both their positive and negative experiences and we always ensure we respond, so they feel seen and heard.

Headteacher

“