Who are Young Carers?
Across the UK, an estimated 800,000 children and young people are living as Young Carers – taking on regular responsibilities to support a parent, sibling, or other family member affected by illness, disability, a mental health condition, or addiction.
These are not occasional acts of help. For many, caring is woven into the fabric of daily life: managing medication, cooking meals, providing emotional support, or taking on household duties that would typically fall to an adult. They do this quietly, often without recognition, and frequently without adequate support.
Many Young Carers struggle at school, find it hard to maintain friendships, and rarely have time that is simply their own. The Young Carers Festival exists to change that – if only for one weekend.
What the Festival Means
Now in its 26th year and recognised as the UK’s largest event of its kind, the Young Carers Festival gives young people a weekend that belongs entirely to them: outdoor adventure, live entertainment, creative workshops, sport, music, and the chance to be surrounded by people who genuinely understand their lives.
For many attendees, it is the first time they have met another Young Carer. That moment of recognition – of not being alone – can be profound. Josh Towers, Youth Services Director at YMCA Fairthorne Group, describes the impact simply:
“Whilst the festival lasts only one weekend, the impact it has on many young people can last much longer.”
The 2026 festival opens its gates in just a few days. But our focus is already turning to 2027 – and to building something even stronger.
How You Can Get Involved
The Young Carers Festival is made possible through a network of partners, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. Whether you’re an individual who cares about giving young people a fair chance, or an organisation looking to make a meaningful community impact, there’s a place for you in this.
For individuals
- Volunteer your time at next year’s festival – from activity leaders to logistics support, every role matters
- Fundraise on behalf of YMCA Fairthorne Group to help cover costs for Young Carers who need additional support to attend
- Raise awareness in your community – share this article, talk to schools, local groups, and employers about what Young Carers face
- If you work with or know a Young Carer, signpost them to local Young Carers services and to the festival
For businesses and corporate partners
The Young Carers Festival is one of the most meaningful sponsorship opportunities in the south of England – a genuinely impactful event with national reach and a powerful story to tell.
- Become a festival sponsor for 2027 and align your brand with a cause that resonates with employees, customers, and communities alike
- Offer your team as corporate volunteers for the weekend – a purpose-driven team experience with real impact
- Provide in-kind support through equipment, services, expertise, or venue facilities
- Partner with us on fundraising or awareness campaigns throughout the year
- Support Young Carers within your own workforce – we can help you understand what that looks like in practice
Corporate partners in previous years have described the experience as one of the most rewarding things their teams have been part of. The festival offers a rare combination: national scale, local roots, and a cause that is impossible not to care about.
Plan Ahead for 2027
Planning for next year’s festival begins almost as soon as this one ends. If you’re serious about getting involved – whether as a volunteer, a sponsor, a partner organisation, or a supporter – now is exactly the right time to start that conversation.
Get in touch with our team, and we’ll make sure you’re part of what we build next.
Contact us: Ross.Owen@ymca-fg.org
Find out more: ymca-fg.org/young-carers-festival/
