‘Give us a break!’
Young Carers Action Day 2025 takes place on Wednesday 12th March
Young carers and young adult carers can feel overwhelmed by their caring responsibilities on top of everything they do at school and college. They need a break, and that’s why this year’s Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) has the theme of ‘Give me a break’.
The chance for some time out, a break from caring, and meeting other young people who can really emphaise can make a big difference in a young carer’s life – and that is a key element of the support we offer.
The theme also highlights the importance of giving young carers a break in life, and the chance for them to succeed when given the proper support.
That could be at school with teachers giving young carers more support to help balance caring responsibilities with schoolwork; or it could be employers giving young adult carers access to mentoring schemes, career insight days or internships.
I’m a young carer, can I get help?
If you are a young carer in Surrey and are not yet signed up to receive our support – please give us a call (0303 040 1234) or complete our application form. (If you’re 13 or over, you can complete it yourself, otherwise, ask a parent/guardian or other adult in your life.)
We provide support and opportunities to meet – and have fun with – other children and young people in similar positions. And we really understand how these extra responsibilities can affect your daily life, schoolwork and time for friends.
We support young carers all across Surrey and from every type of family, with support varying depending on your needs – including more intensive groups and tailored one-to-one help, for young carers in a more difficult situation.
What’s happening in Surrey for YCAD?
There’s a variety of events happening for our registered young carers, including a number of Family Fun Days, with activities such as crafts and yoga, at venues including Hampton Court, Bocketts Farm, Horley and Farnham Maltings.
If you’ve not yet registered with us, please do so (see above).
Free Professionals Seminar: The Difference You Make
We’re also running a free 90-minute seminar for professionals this Young Carers Action Day – online, Wednesday 12th March, 12.30-2pm.
Speakers from Surrey County Council, the NHS, Luminus, Action for Carers and more will talk about the lives and needs of young carers in Surrey, including legislation, best practice, and the difference early referral can make. There will also be young carers talking about their lived experience.
The aim is to improve understanding, increase identification and overall improve outcomes for this important group of young people. Find more, and register here:
The Difference You Make PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR
National request: getting young carers to create
Young carers want to see really good social content, and are therefore invited this year to share their own content on the theme of ‘Give me a break’. Posters, videos, and stories they share with Carers Trust will be re-shared. Plus there’s £15 Love2Shop vouchers for the first 60 young carers to contribute. Details here.
Asking young carers – can you take a break?
There’s also a 3 minute survey from Carers Trust for young carers, asking about their ability to take a break.
Please complete this if you can – results will be shared with all the UK’s carer organisations, helping us to grow and improve support.
Helping as a school, company or charity
Schools, companies and other organisations can also help by putting up posters and sharing leaflets about young carers. Find them here.
You can also download and share this YCAD poster, signposting carers to us.
More about Young Carers Action Day
Young Carers Action Day is an annual event, organised each year by Carers Trust, with carers organisations across the UK taking part.
It’s a day for raising public awareness of young carers and young adult carers, the pressures and challenges they face, and the incredible contribution they make by caring for their family members and friends.
It is also a day to call for more action to support young and young adult carers and give them the extra bit of help they need to live full and healthy lives.
National Young Carers Action Day
