What is a young adult carer?
The ‘official’ definition of a young adult carer is someone aged between 18-24 who cares, unpaid, for someone who may be chronically ill, disabled, have a mental health condition or an addiction.
Like to hear about the latest ACS events and activities, just for you?
Sign up to our 16-24 year old email, the YAC Bulletin.
How we help young adult carers
Video produced by our YACs Taz Beattie and Helena Traill
We support many young carers aged between 18 and 24. We provide specialist information (see ‘What you need to know’ below), and our Helpline can give targeted advice.
We also run some special events aimed at this age group (see our Events listings). And send out a regular Bulletin email with updates and events listings.
All our support and events are free but you do need to register with us (also free!)
Thank you so much for all your help over the years! I have found my confidence and I have found lifelong friends! X.
What you need to know
In our ‘What you need to know‘ section, you’ll find a treasure trove of information about well, all the things you need to know!
Packed with advice, information and contributions from other young adult carers, it covers topics including Housing, Returning to Learning, Higher Education, Working and Caring, Apprenticeships, and Health. Take a look!
Different caring situations
Everyone’s caring situation is different. You may be part of a community which means caring can bring additional challenges. You might look after a parent, brother, sister, partner or grandparent. Young adults often care for more than one person in the family, in different ways.
Some of the more common situations are:
- caring for someone with mental health issues
- caring for someone with autism
- caring for someone with substance/alcohol problems
- caring for someone with dementia
Take a look at the pages above to find out about our particular support and information for carers looking after someone with these conditions.
I’ve done things I would never have been able to do. I’m more independent and confident.
Sharing your experiences
Partner charity Healthwatch Surrey would love to hear from more young adult carers. Their ‘Giving Carers a Voice’ team is especially interested to hear about services you’ve used, and how you found them, and services you’d like.
They are looking to set up small groups (with pizza involved!) to chat about your view. More here.
Interested in sharing your views?
Get in touch
To find out more about our support for you as a young adult carer, please get in touch.
Call us on 0303 040 1234, text (only) 07723 486730 or email [email protected]
