Ava-Grace Britton, a 17-year-old college student in north London, provides daily care to her father Paul alongside her mother Karen. Paul suffered a series of strokes eight years ago following a sepsis infection, leaving him with significant mobility and memory issues complicated by diabetes. The family monitors his blood glucose, administers medication, and manages household tasks together, with Ava-Grace often returning home quickly after college to provide support.
Official census data indicates approximately 130,000 carers under age 18 in England and Wales, though the Carers Trust estimates the actual figure could reach 1 million individuals under 18, plus another 500,000 aged 18 to 25. For some young carers, responsibilities exceed 50 hours weekly. More than half, including Ava-Grace, support parents, while others care for siblings and grandparents. The Carers Trust notes a recent increase in non-parent caregiving due to the cost of living crisis pushing parents toward employment.
Young carers face measurable educational and social disadvantages. According to Department for Education data, they are 25% less likely to achieve five GCSE passes including English and Maths compared to peers, and twice as likely to remain outside education, employment or training for two years or longer. Ava-Grace has experienced school changes due to bullying and attendance difficulties related to her caring responsibilities and epilepsy. She reports sacrificing activities like competitive dance and worrying about pursuing distant university options.
Support mechanisms exist but face implementation challenges. Young carers are entitled to council assessments examining health, education and wellbeing impacts, though identification often takes years and available assistance varies significantly by location. Andy McGowan, lead on young carers at the Carers Trust and himself a former young carer, notes that while respite breaks, peer support and counselling help, they rarely address the underlying caring demands. High thresholds for adult social care mean many families receive insufficient relief.
In July, the government published an action plan for unpaid carers including young carer support measures such as improved school assistance and coordinated NHS, social care and education services. Scotland offers a dedicated young carers grant. A government spokesman stated the new national care service aims to better support unpaid carers, particularly young ones.
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