Young Carers Development Trust

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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 home life. 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 enables young carers to fulfil their potential. Many young carers have developed resilience and transferable skills and we support them to achieve success. Our young carers are from families who are 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. Our unique 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.