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Young adult carers (age 18-25)

What is a young adult carer?

Young Adult Carers are young people aged 16-25 who look after a family member or friend with an illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction. There are at least 376,000 young adult carers in the UK, found in schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces.

Young adult carers help with:

  • cooking
  • housework
  • physical care 
  • emotional support
  • personal care
  • managing money
  • managing medication
  • helping someone communicate
  • looking after their siblings
  • and more.

Support available for young adult carers

Young adult carers often struggle to balance their education, work, and caregiving duties, which can impact their mental health and social life. Please find below some useful resources for young adult carers.

Imago

Imago provide free emotional and practical support, helping carers balance their responsibilities and personal well-being. Imago's coordinators offer advice, community services, activities, and respite, ensuring young carers feel supported and connected.

Carers Trust

Carers Trust supports young adult carers across the UK by providing practical and emotional help through local organisations. They offer services and activities to help young carers manage their responsibilities and enjoy their youth.

Last updated: 03/03/2025