Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Young Carers  Young carers

A young carer is a young person under the age of 18

that provides support and care for someone

with a disability, illness, mental health condition,

or has a dependency on drugs and or alcohol.

 

A young carer can provide support and care for someone

they live with, which could be their parents,

siblings, grandparents etc

 

Older young carers (18-25 years old) are also known

as young adult carers and they may have  different support needs to younger carers.

 

They may provide practical or physical care, help with personal care, and help with domestic tasks and/or emotional support.

 

Young carers may face serious caring responsibilities, in addition to the daily tasks they complete for their parents such as housework, cooking and bathing, and they may live with the added pressure of school and, often, a lack of understanding from schoolmates.

 

 

How many young carers are there?

According to the 2021 Census, there are over 22,500 young carers and young adult carers in Wales.

 

However, the true number is likely much higher, as many young carers are not formally identified. That’s why it's so important for young carers to feel safe coming forward—so they can receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Carer's Assessment

Young carers can request an assessment, an assessment gives you a chance to talk to someone about what support might make caring easier.

 

Young Carer Assessment

 

Identifying as a Young Carer

If you’re a young person helping to care for a family member — whether due to illness, disability, mental health issues or substance misuse — you may be a young carer.

 

Letting your school know can make a big difference. You can: 

  • Speak to a trusted teacher 
  • Ask to speak to the school’s Young Carers Lead

Identifying yourself means your school can better understand your needs and offer support that could include: 

  • flexible homework deadlines
  • extra wellbeing support
  • access to young carer groups

Many schools also provide a Young Carer ID card, helping staff quickly recognise and support you without needing to explain your situation repeatedly.

 

Learning Links Team

The Learning Links Team (LLT) provides support and training for schools to meet the educational needs of learners who are identified as young carers, so that they can access an appropriate education and achieve the best possible educational outcomes.

 

Young Carers

 

 

Vale Young Carers Project                                  

VYS LOGO

 

This club is only for young people who have been accepted onto the Project. Please contact the Early Help Services to make a referral.

 

 

This Project will be providing regular respite activities to young carers in the Vale, aged 7 – 18, giving them an opportunity to socialise, make friends and have fun! 

 

The Young Carers Youth Club at the YMCA Hub, Court Road, Barry, CF63 4EE, is open is open every Thursday & Friday evening during term time.

 

The ages are divided across the two days, with the juniors’ (primary school age) club taking place every Thursday from 4pm – 5:30pm during term time

 

and the seniors’ (comprehensive school age) club taking place every Friday from 4pm – 5:30pm during term time. 

 

Young Carers ID Card

The YCID, or Young Carers ID Card, is a simple card to help professionals including doctors, teachers and pharmacists to recognise young carers and support them appropriately.

 

To find out more or request a card, please contact: 

and someone from the Vale Youth Service Young Carers team will be in contact with you.

 

Young Carers in Schools Programme (YCiSP)

The Young Carers in Schools Programme supports primary and secondary schools across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, helping them to recognise and meet the needs of young carers.

 

Our aim is to reduce the negative impact of caring responsibilities and ensure young carers have the same access to education, wellbeing, and future opportunities as their peers.

 

We work directly with schools, providing them with tools, resources and guidance to develop a whole-school approach to supporting young carers.

 

The programme focuses on five key areas: 

  • Understanding young carers

  • Informing school staff and communities

  • Identifying young carers early

  • Listening to young carers’ voices

  • Supporting them effectively in education

The Young Carers in Schools Programme is funded by the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board.

 

To find out more or get involved, please contact: hello@tuvida.org or

visit: Young Carers in Schools | TuVida