At school, Ali looked like any other student — sleepy smile, backpack slung over one shoulder. But behind that smile was the weight of caring for her younger sister, Beth, who has a severe learning disability and epilepsy. Some nights, the seizures don’t stop. Some days, no one sleeps.
Ali helps with everything, calming Beth’s moods, interpreting her non-verbal communication, supporting her mum through the daily strain. At school, her brain is split in two: half on her studies, half worrying if Beth is safe at home.
“Your brain is always halfway home. You’re thinking about school, but also wondering — is my sister okay? Will Mum manage without me?”
The hidden load young carers carry
There are thousands of young carers like Ali across the UK. Many remain unseen. Children who are late for school not because they’re lazy, but because they’ve been helping a parent out of bed. Children who are tired in class after being up all night caring.
These children don’t need pity, they need understanding and support.
That’s where Carers Trust’s Young Carers in Schools programme comes in. We help schools spot hidden young carers, understand their needs, and put support in place that can transform lives.
With your support, we can do more.
How your gift helps
Your donation could help a school take the vital steps to identify young carers and change their futures.
- Train teachers to understand the challenges young carers face
- Help a young carer access 1:1 support or counselling
- Provide safe spaces where young carers can be themselves
- Give them the chance to meet others who just “get it”
“I hope other young carers get to have the kind of friendships I’ve had thanks to Young Carers group — where you’re allowed to be yourself, and to feel supported just by being understood."
Donate today
Help us reach more young carers like Ali
It costs £54 on average to identify a young carer in a school
£54 could help identify a young carer and give them the additional support they need.
A monthly gift of £10.80 could give 2 young carers the opportunities they need to succeed.
A gift of £216 could help 4 young carers feel seen, understood, and supported.
DONATE NOW“We just want people to understand what it’s like — and help us care without having to carry everything.”
– Ali, young carer from the South West of England (Names changed to protect privacy)
Thank you for being there for young carers
Together, we can make sure no child is left to carry a caring role alone. Here's a personal letter from Ali.
