Young Carers and Young Adult Carers across the UK face unique and significant challenges that impact their ability to access higher education, employment, and training opportunities. The latest report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Young Carers & Young Adult Carers, supported by Carers Trust, shines a spotlight on these barriers and calls for urgent, systemic change.
The Reality for Young Adult Carers
75% say their caring role makes it difficult to participate in education or training
Over half report that caring has negatively affected their finances, making it harder to pursue education or training.
Nearly 80% say their mental health has suffered due to their caring responsibilities, impacting their future plans.
Only 26% of young carers and young adult carers believe they will have the same access to opportunities as their non-caring peers.
Key Barriers for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers
Personal Barriers
- Lower academic attainment: Young carers are 25% less likely to achieve key academic milestones than their peers.
- Confidence and aspirations: Many feel unable to prioritise their own futures, often experiencing guilt or anxiety about leaving those they care for.
- Health and wellbeing: High rates of mental health challenges and physical exhaustion are common.
Practical Barriers
- Lack of alternative care: Many cannot leave home for study or work due to caring responsibilities.
- Financial hardship: Most do not receive adequate financial support, and the demands of caring limit their ability to take on part-time work.
- Limited access to information and support: Many are unaware of available resources or find the support system confusing and inconsistent.
Policy and Systemic Barriers
- Inflexible education and employment systems: Strict attendance and working hours often exclude young carers.
- Data gaps: Young adult carers are underrepresented in government datasets, making it harder to track their needs and outcomes.
- Inconsistent support during transitions: Many lose support as they move from children’s to adult services, or from education to employment.
Recommendations for Change
The APPG report calls for a coordinated, cross-government approach to address these challenges, including:
- Improved identification and support in education settings, with dedicated staff and clear policies for young carers.
- Financial reforms, such as expanding access to bursaries and reviewing restrictive policies like the ‘21-hour rule’ for Carer’s Allowance.
- Better access to employment and training, ensuring that government initiatives and employers recognise and accommodate the needs of young adult carers.
- Enhanced transition support, with local authorities offering tailored assessments and age-appropriate services.
- Improved data collection, so young adult carers are visible in all relevant datasets and their outcomes can be tracked and improved.
Why This Matters
Suffolk Family Carers joins the APPG and Carers Trust in recognising that without urgent action too many young adult carers will continue to face unfair barriers to fulfilling their potential. The report makes clear that supporting young carers is not just a matter of fairness—it’s essential for the wellbeing of individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Every young carer deserves the same chance to thrive as their peers. It’s time for policymakers, educators, employers, and communities to work together and make this a reality.
