Recognising Young Carers on Young Carers Action Day 2026

Young Carers Action Day 2026 | Wednesday 11 March 2026 

At Activate Learning, we know that some of our students are balancing college with something more — caring responsibilities at home. 

Are you a Young Carer?

You might help look after a parent, carer, sibling or close family member who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or additional needs. You might not even think of yourself as a “young carer” — but if you regularly support someone at home, you are not alone. 

A Young Carer or Young Adult Carer is anyone under 25 who helps care for a family member, partner, or friend who has:

  • A disability
  • A physical or mental health condition
  • A drug or alcohol dependency

As a young carer, you take on responsibilities that many people your age may not have. You might help with cooking, cleaning, managing medications, or assisting someone to move around. You may also provide emotional support, help with finances, or take care of younger siblings. Whether you care for a parent, sibling, grandparent, or another loved one, your role is incredibly important.

What does being a young carer look like? 

Every situation is different, but you might: 

  • Help with practical tasks at home 
  • Support someone emotionally 
  • Translate, organise appointments or manage medication 
  • Look after younger siblings 
  • Worry about someone at home while you’re at college 

Sometimes caring responsibilities can affect your studies or wellbeing. You might feel: 

  • Tired, distracted or overwhelmed 
  • Anxious about home 
  • Pressured to “hold everything together” 
  • Like you don’t have much time for friends or social activities 

You may also find it hard to talk about home life, or feel like you need to manage everything on your own. 

If any of this sounds familiar — we see you, and we’re here for you.  

Why it matters 

Being a young carer comes with challenges — but it also builds incredible strengths. 

Many young carers develop powerful transferable skills, including: 

🌱 Emotional and personal strengths 

Resilience, empathy, compassion, emotional maturity, patience, determination and adaptability. 

🤝 Social and relationship skills 

Responsibility, reliability, loyalty, active listening, advocacy, teamwork and trustworthiness. 

🧠 Practical and life skills 

Problem-solving, time management, organisation, planning, decision-making and independence. 

💬 Communication and leadership 

Confidence speaking to adults and professionals, negotiation skills, assertiveness and leadership. 

💡 Values and mindset 

Kindness, commitment, strong moral values, gratitude and a real sense of purpose. 

These are skills that employers value and that will support you throughout your life and career.  

You don’t have to do this alone 

At Activate Learning, we want young carers to feel recognised, supported and understood. 

Here’s what you can expect from us: 

  • A safe, confidential conversation if you’d like to talk 
  • Support from our Transition and Retention Advisors 
  • Understanding around attendance or deadlines where appropriate 
  • Help planning your next steps with our Careers Team 
  • Signposting to specialist external support such as Carers Oxfordshire, Be Free, Action for Carers and Luminous  

Small adjustments and early conversations can make a big difference. 

Join us on Young Carers Action Day 

On 11 March 2026, we’ll be raising awareness across all campuses with: 

Activities, games, music and opportunities to connect on campus:

Banbury and Bicester College

Our Careers Team will also be offering Career Advice drop-in sessions in the Learning Environment between 12.30– 13:30. On Monday 16th March our Catering Team will be providing free lunches to young carers at 12,30pm, and on Wednesday 18 March our Beauty Salon will be offering young carers free manicures, pedicures and facials.

City of Oxford College and University Centre

Find our stand in Recharge, between 9–11am and 1–3pm, where we will be showcasing the support on offer from our Transition and Retention Advisor, as well as Carers Oxfordshire and Be Free. Our Careers Team will also be offering Career Advice drop-in sessions in Recharge between 12.30–13.30pm.

The Leys College

On Tuesday 17 March our Careers Team will be in Reception from 11am–12pm where our Transition and Retention Advisor will also be present handing out goodies and food parcels to take home.

Reading College and University Centre

Join us in the Foyer by Reception from 12–2pm for a relaxed drop-in space to connect and access support. There’ll be free wellbeing activities, affirmation cards, sweet treats, and a chance to anonymously share your experiences and ideas about how college can better support young carers. Our Careers Team will also be offering Career Advice drop-in sessions in Advice Centre between 12–1pm.

Bracknell and Wokingham College

Come find our stall in the Sports Hall, between 12.15-1.45pm, where we will be putting people to the test with a fun carer “obstacle course” and activities.

Merrist Wood College

Join our festival-style lunchtime event, 12–1.30pm, outside Woodies. Expect games, sweets, music and stands from Action for Carers, Luminous, and our Careers Team, with lots of helpful information and resources available.

Guildford College

Join us in the Student Union between 12–1.30pm, for games of table football, music, and cakes and sweets. Action for Careers will also be attending, sharing information and support resources.

Farnham College

Find us in the Meze between 12–1.30pm, with resources from Action for Carers, and goodies such as sweets and cakes.

Other on campus activities

  • Informal drop-in advice sessions with Careers Teams (12–1.30pm) 
  • Support and information from external partners at selected campuses  

Online support for students

These events are relaxed, welcoming and open to everyone — whether you identify as a young carer or simply want to learn more and show support. 

If you think you might be a young carer… 

You don’t need a label to ask for support. 

Speak to your tutor, a member of the Student Support team, or contact a Transition and Retention Advisor (email us on safe@activatelearning.ac.uk  or call 01865 01865 550401). Even if you’re unsure, starting a conversation can help. 

Young Carers Action Day isn’t just about one day — it’s about making sure you feel seen, valued and supported all year round. 

You are doing more than you realise. And we’re proud of you.