Are You a Young Carer?
A young carer is someone aged between 8 and 18 who looks after a family member with a disability, long-term illness, mental health issue or addiction. You might help with cooking, cleaning, giving medicine, translating, or offering emotional support — often missing out on time for yourself.
That’s where we come in.
Many young people who provide care for a family member often keep their role hidden from friends, school staff and professionals. This is often due to feelings of embarrassment or fear that asking for help could lead to unwanted intervention or family separation.
Because of this, many young carers go unidentified and miss out on the vital support that could ease their responsibilities and improve their wellbeing.
Our aim is to help young people recognise and feel confident in their role as young carers, reduce the stigma surrounding caring, and work with partners and agencies to improve early identification. This ensures more young carers and their families receive the support they need.
We’re Here to Support You
Our Young Carer projects in Wokingham and West Berkshire provide practical and emotional support, along with regular opportunities to take a break, have fun and just be a child again.
Weekly Clubs
Join our friendly term-time sessions packed with games, challenges, crafts and laughs. These clubs are a space to:
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Relax and unwind
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Make friends who understand
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Be supported by our trained youth workers
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Try new things and build your confidence
Trips and Residential's
Every year, we run an exciting calendar of day trips and residential experiences. Last year our Young Carers have been to:
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Red Kangaroo trampoline park
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LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
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Young Carers Festival
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Paddle Sports Day
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Lagoon Aqua Park
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Ice Skating and Christmas Lights at Windsor Great Park
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Laser Quest, Bowling, Chessington, and Clip n Climb
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And even Sailing in the ASTO Small Ships Race
There’s always something new to look forward to and all activities are fully funded.
1:1 Support in Schools
We work closely with local schools to offer one-to-one sessions, helping young carers with:
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Managing their responsibilities
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Talking about worries and wellbeing
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Accessing the support they need
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Having someone who truly listens
“Tasha comes to see me at school every week. I look forward to it as we have time to talk about my carer responsibilities and difficulties. I don't have anyone else to talk to about this so it really helps me.”
— Student at Bulmershe School
“It’s always fun, we always play UNO and Tasha supports me by making sure everything is OK. Since I’ve worked with her, I’ve started to attend respite sessions and school holiday trips. I’ve made new friends.”
— Student at Maiden Erlegh School
We also support Young Carer Leads in schools to help identify and support students in their care roles.
Join Us or Make a Referral
Whether you’re a young carer, a parent, or a professional wanting to refer someone, we’re here to help.
📧 youngcarers@berkshireyouth.co.uk
📞 0118 909 0927
🌐 www.berkshireyouth.co.uk
