Young Carers Development Trust

Empowering young carers to reach their potential!

We improve the life chances and raise levels of aspiration among young carers who provide a significant level of care for a disabled or seriously ill family member.

Our young carers have mentioned the difficulty in balancing school, especially school work, and the demands of their caring role: 48 school days (10 weeks) are missed or cut significantly short because of their caring role. Young adult carers aged between 16 and 18 years are twice as likely not to be in education, employment, or training.

The Young Carers Development Trust empowers young carers to reach their potential using the amazing skills they have developed as young carers. Our young carers are from families who are often financially constrained and many of them have never had a relative attend further education. In addition, through highlighting the success of individuals we challenge systems and provide a route map for success for countless others.

YCDT is entirely unique, providing a 4-year programme which includes the support of a carefully selected Development Mentor. Our approach is to work with local young carers services to identify young carers with real potential who are unlikely to succeed without targeted support. We provide long term mentoring, practical and financial support for up to four years to each young carer.