We’re absolutely thrilled to share that BBC Children in Need has awarded Action for Family Carers an incredible £109,000 over the next three years to help us continue supporting young carers across North-East Essex.
This funding is a huge boost for our Young Carers Service, which works with children and young people who look after a parent or sibling due to illness, disability, mental health challenges or addiction. Essex is home to an estimated 10,000 young carers – many of them taking on responsibilities far beyond their years. From cooking and cleaning to giving medication or caring for younger siblings, the pressure can have a big impact on their own wellbeing, school life and childhood.
Young carers often tell us how hard it is to concentrate at school when they’re worrying about family at home. One Year 8 student shared that she spends most of her lessons thinking about her mum’s pain, while another young carer’s attendance dropped to just 52% because of the anxiety that comes with caring for her dad.
Thanks to this generous funding, we’ll be able to reach up to 1,000 young carers across as many as 50 secondary schools, offering both group sessions and one-to-one support right where they need it most. Our Young Carer Support Workers visit schools every month, creating a safe place for young carers to talk, get advice, build confidence and connect with others who understand what life is like for them.
“Many young carers grow up too quickly,” says Jo Hotten, Head of Young Carer Services.
“They’re incredibly resilient but often feel invisible. Thanks to BBC Children in Need, we can reach more young carers where they feel safest – in school – and give them space to talk, relax and feel supported.”
We’re hugely proud of our Young Carers Service. We’ve been supporting young carers since 2005, and last year 92% of the young people we worked with showed measurable improvements in wellbeing, confidence or stress levels. None of this would be possible without strong partnerships with schools, Essex Youth Service, the Child and Family Wellbeing Service and many others who share our commitment to supporting young carers.
“We’re deeply grateful to BBC Children in Need for recognising the huge impact young carers make,” adds James Clarke, CEO of Action for Family Carers.
“This funding will make a real difference to young people who are often struggling in silence.”
We’re so excited to continue this work and proud to stand alongside young carers, championing their voices and creating spaces where they can just be young people again.
👉 Find out more about our Young Carers Service and how you can support our work:
https://affc.org.uk/services/young-carers
