Young adult carers

Make room for your future as well as caring.

Caring can sit alongside studying, your first job, relationships or moving away from home. It can be hard to plan your next step when someone relies on you. Support can help you explore choices at your own pace.

Support in your area

Select a caring role to see a practical starting point. You can always contact the service if your situation is more complex or does not fit neatly into one box.

Find guidance on education, employment, money, housing, wellbeing and building a plan around your caring role.

Put your goals into the conversation

Choose something you want more time for: a course, a job, friends or rest.
Write down which caring tasks make that difficult.
Ask for a conversation about your support needs and plans for adulthood.

Study, training and work

Tell a trusted contact at college, university, an apprenticeship or work about your caring responsibilities. Ask about practical flexibility, wellbeing support and any financial help you may qualify for. If you are applying somewhere new, ask about support before making a decision.

Money and somewhere to live

Get advice before changing working hours, starting a course or moving home if you receive benefits. Ask for a check that takes account of both caring and your plans. Local advisers can also help you explore housing options and costs.

Prepare for time away

Agree who can help with essential tasks when you are unavailable.
Record useful contacts and what to do if arrangements change.
Ask services to review the support available to the person you care for.
Plan time with friends and people who understand caring.

One step towards what matters to you

Tell the local team: “I want to keep caring, but I also want to…” and explain the goal you would like help with.