Stronger with Support – Help for young carers in Buckinghamshire
Providing regular care and support to a family member or friend is something many adults do every day, but did you know that lots of children and young people also carry out this role?
On average, across England, at least one child in every classroom is providing unpaid care to someone, often a parent, sibling, other family member or a friend.
This March, Buckinghamshire Council is expanding its ‘Stronger with Support’ carers campaign to include young carers in our county. With national Young Carers Action Day taking place on 11 March, now is the perfect time to let young carers know we care and that they don’t have to cope alone.
In Buckinghamshire, there are 1,800 young carers registered with Carers Bucks. Schools reported 1,332 young carers in the school census 2025, but this underestimates the real number of young carers in our schools. Data from a Carers UK report in February 2025 shows young carers often carry out duties which are not appropriate for their age, such as helping family members get washed or dressed, collecting prescriptions or administering medication, providing emotional support and overseeing family finances.
The responsibility of caring for another person can impact on young carers' own wellbeing and learning, leaving some feeling exhausted, struggling to concentrate, falling behind at school, and more likely to experience loneliness, stress and anxiety.
Young carers deserve the same opportunities as other young people to enjoy their childhood and shape their future.
Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services said: “Every young carer supports someone who could not manage without them, but those young people also need care, support, and opportunities to enjoy their childhood away from the responsibilities they have at home. I want all young carers in Buckinghamshire to know they are not alone and that support is available. Buckinghamshire Council is also calling on teachers, health professionals and others to help identify young carers who could benefit from the support available.”
Young Carers Bucks is part of Carers Bucks and supports young carers aged between 5 and 17 who live in Buckinghamshire and are looking after someone at home who is ill, disabled or otherwise needs help. They have a dedicated team of support workers to help young carers with the challenges of their caring role, from emotional worries to practical issues, school pressures or feeling overwhelmed. The charity runs a variety of youth clubs and group activities to help young carers relax and have fun with other young carers.
If you know a young person who you think might be a young carer, please encourage them to reach out, as recognising them is the first step to helping them thrive.
To find out more visit Stronger with Support – Young Carers Matter Campaign