Young Carers

Who is a ‘young carer’?

Young carers are young people who care, unpaid, for someone who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Older young carers (aged 16-25) are also known as young adult carers and they may have different support needs to younger carers. (Carers Trust)

To find out more about young carers and support from carers services please visit the Carers Trust website.

https://carers.org/about-caring/about-young-carers 

‘Young Carers on Tour’ Project

Study Higher offers a variety of educational experiences to support young (adult) carers with their next steps. 

Young carers from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon are invited to take part in a number of interesting, interactive opportunities such as visits to different universities, informative and interactive workshops and a residential.

This project is designed to offer impartial advice, help young carers harness their future choices, develop and improve life skills, maintain friendships and share an understanding of life as a young (adult) carer.

The range of events planned for 2024/25 are shown below:

Date Event Location How to register to attend
Tuesday 29th October 2024 Bletchley Park educational workshops and tour The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Dr, Bletchley, Milton Keynes  

Not applicable

 

Saturday 7th December 2024

 

Uni: Fusion

  • Dreams 2 Reality with Cameron Parker
  • Paramedic Science
  • The Philosophy of Cyberpunk
  • Transition to University
  • Understanding Student finance and budgeting
  • Get Money Wise for Uni
Oxford Brookes University Register via this form
Saturday 1st February 2025 Hertfordshire University trip Hertfordshire University Registration form coming soon
Monday 14th-Wednesday 16th April 2025 Easter residential including Young Carer Development Trust Conference

 

Multiple venues including Bath Spa University Registration form coming soon
June 2025 (Date TBC) Oxford University visit Trinity College, Oxford University

 

Registration form coming soon

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about upcoming events, please contact: youngcarers@studyhigher.ac.uk 

Testimonials

Considering higher education?

The following links and resources provide information on some of the support available for young carers who would like to study a university course at one of the four partner universities Study Higher works with. 

Oxford Brookes University https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/support/communities/student-carers/
University of Oxford Trinity College: https://www.trinity.ox.ac.uk/support-trinity

Somerville College: https://www.some.ox.ac.uk/life-here/health-and-welfare/

(Please contact other colleges directly for further relevant information)

 

Buckinghamshire New University https://www.bucks.ac.uk/life/student-success-and-support
University of Reading https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/support-and-wellbeing/support-arrangements/student-services-reception

 

Some universities offer young carers priority on their events and activities, such as summer schools and funding support to attend Open Days.

We recommend that you check with individual institutions to discuss the range of support available for young carers. 

See more guidance here:

Financial support

Young carers are eligible for extra financial support from universities, which is usually non-repayable in the form of a grant. Check with your university choices to find out more.

The UCAS website has information about the types of financial support you might be eligible for and suggested questions to ask when you visit a college and/or university. 

Access the page here: scholarships, grants and bursaries.

The Children’s Society also has information about how to manage your money and bills as a young carer.

Access the page here: financial support for young people.

Watch the link below to hear about young carers experience in university:

A day in the Life of a Student Carer

Alternative opportunities

Apprenticeships:

As a young (adult) carer you will already know that blending study and caring isn’t always easy but completing an apprenticeship is definitely NOT impossible and a choice that can have advantages.  ‘Action for Carers’ offer lots of tips and advice on their website:

Apprenticeships and caring

Watch the link below to hear the experiences of a young carer who is on an apprenticeship, as well as information, advice and guidance on different levels available:

A day in the Life of a Young Carer Apprentice

 

Carers Trust Futures Hub

The Carers Trust have resources, events and opportunities, including an Employability Programme, to support young carers into the world of work.

Find the Carers Trust Futures Hub here.

 

Know Your Rights

Watch the recording below to find our about your rights as a young carer, delivered by Young Carers Development Trust. 

View the Know Your Rights video here.

Regional support

Local councils and carers services are often able to support young carers in a number of different ways. The links for different services in our Study Higher regions can be accessed by clicking the links below:

 

Berkshire Buckingham Oxfordshire Swindon
Windsor and Maidenhead Council,

Bracknell Forest Council,

West Berkshire, Wokingham, Reading Councils

TuVida: support for carers in Reading & West Berkshire & Wokingham

Slough Young Carers

Young Adult Carers Bucks

Carers MK

Oxfordshire County Council

Be Free Young Carers

Swindon Borough Council

Swindon carers

 

Sidekick

Sidekick is a confidential helpline for young carers in the UK aged between 13 to 18, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Messages can be sent at anytime, about anything that’s bothering you as a young carer.

Young carers can text 07888 868 059, Email: sidekick@actionforchildren.org.uk or click the link below for further details.