No child should have to choose between childhood and caring
Did you know that one in five schoolchildren in the UK are Young Carers? Some are as young as five years old. These children take on adult roles – cooking, cleaning, giving medication, or looking after siblings – while still trying to keep up with school and their own childhood.
At Action for Family Carers, we believe no child should have to choose between being a carer and being a child.
Stories from Young Carers in Essex
“Being a young carer is not a choice; it’s just what we do.”
Sara is in Year 8. She supports her mum, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. During lessons, Sara finds it hard to concentrate—her mind is often on her mum’s pain and whether she’s coping at home.
Cody, 12, starts his day at 5.30am—not to play games or scroll his phone, but to give his dad medication and help his younger brother get ready for school. After school, he still has dinner, laundry, and bedtime routines to manage before tackling his homework.
Children like Cody and Sara carry huge responsibilities at home, but when they come to one of our Young Carer Youth Clubs, they finally get a break: a safe space to laugh, share, and just be children.
“The trips are exciting. My club leader is kind and a good listener. I’ve made new friends and that’s helped a lot.” – Young Carer
The Difference We Make
Through in-school support, respite clubs, and memory-making trips, we help Young Carers feel less alone and more supported. And we know it works:
86% feel happier
61% feel less stressed and anxious
78% feel valued and listened to
80% make new friends
65% feel less lonely
87% have somebody to talk to
73% finally get a break from caring
Source: Action for Family Carers Young Carers Feedback Survey 2024/2025
How You Can Help
We need your help to continue supporting hundreds of Young Carers across Essex. Together, we can make sure no child has to give up their childhood to care for others.
💛 £20 – Funds an hour of one-to-one time with a Support Worker
💛 £50 – Pays for food, activities, and a safe space for 20 Young Carers at a Youth Club
💛 £500 – Provides a memory-making trip for 20 Young Carers
💛 £6,000 – Supports 25 Young Carers in one secondary school for an entire year
Join Us
As a small local charity, we rely on the love and generosity of our community. Every donation, every fundraiser, every share helps us reach more children like Sara and Cody.
👉 Donate today
👉 Fundraising ideas
Together, we can give Essex’s Young Carers the support, friendships, and childhood they deserve.
