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.
‘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
|
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
They made me feel like I shouldn’t stress as there are many options as to what I can do in life.
Young carer
"I wanted to send a massive thank you to the team for taking such good care of my child and for giving them this amazing opportunity - they were so full of energy and enthusiasm when they returned!"
Parent of a young carer
The people I get to meet and do activities with because it gets me feeling less isolated.
Young carer
"Actually visiting the range of universities has opened my daughter's eyes to the world of further study and the opportunities she can have.
The events where she stayed for a few days to sample life in the area and meet other learners to ask questions were particularly valuable."
Parent of a young carer
I really want to come to university now - just mainly from Ben's talk [young carer student ambassador] and what he said. It made me realise I could actually do it if I tried and put myself first.
Young carer
"She absolutely loved the opportunity to see a university and experience the campus. She is definitely going to university!"
Parent of a young carer
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:
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:
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 |
Young Adult Carers Bucks | Oxfordshire County Council | Swindon Borough Council |
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.