Hart & Rushmoor Young Carers

Imagine being under 18 and already stepping into the shoes of a caregiver. That’s the reality for young carers — children and young people whose lives are deeply impacted by looking after a family member who is ill, disabled, or struggling with substance abuse. These young people often shoulder responsibilities far beyond their years, managing tasks that we’d usually expect an adult to handle, both practically and emotionally.

It’s estimated that one in five children and young people in the UK are young carers. To put it another way, in every secondary school classroom, there are about six students quietly balancing their studies with the challenges of caring for someone they love.

Our Hart & Rushmoor Young Carers team offers the chance for these young people to take a break from their caring responsibilities by providing activities, information, support and guidance to the young person and their family. Basically enabling them to find a ‘time for me!’

Our Aim:

To identify, support, empower and involve young carers. To connect them with other young carers so they know they’re not alone and give them time to have some fun and be a child again.