This week, it is Carers Week. The theme this year is ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’ highlighting the difference communities can make to a carers’ lives.
Who is a Carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. Across the UK, millions of people take on caring responsibilities, often balancing these alongside education, work, and their own wellbeing.
How YMCA supports Carer Communities
Among these carers, are hundreds of thousands of young carers. A young carer is someone under the age of 18 who helps to look after a family member or friend. Many young carers take on responsibilities beyond their years, from helping with household tasks and emotional support to providing practical care. While they often show remarkable resilience and maturity, it is important that they also have opportunities to enjoy their childhood, connect with others, and feel supported.
Young Carers Festival
At YMCA, we are proud to support young carers. We are committed to helping create communities where young carers feel seen, valued, and understood. One of the ways we do this is through our annual Young Carers Festival, which returns on 26-28 June, for the 26th year. The festival brings together young carers from across the UK, creating a space where they can take a break from their responsibilities, have fun, and simply enjoy being children. Just as importantly, it helps build lasting friendships and connections with others who understand their experiences.
By creating opportunities for young carers to come together, we are helping to build the supportive, carer-friendly communities that this year’s Carers Week celebrates. Every young carer deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported – and we are proud to play a part in making that happen.
