What is Young Carers Action Day?
Young Carers Action Day 2026 takes place on Wednesday 11 March and the theme is ‘Fair Futures for Young Carers’.
The day calls for action to ensure young carers have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive as their peers, with the right recognition, support and chances to reach their potential.
Young Carers Action Day provides an opportunity for everyone to call for better support for young carers and young adult carers, and to bring about change.
Anyone can support Young Carers Action Day by posting on social media using #YoungCarersActionDay.
In 2026, together we will highlight the support young carers need to reach their potential, from recognition in school and access to training and employment, to meaningful breaks, wellbeing support and opportunities that help them build brighter futures.
If you’re a young carer and would like to get involved in Young Carers Action Day we would like to hear from you. Please email the young carers team using the button below.
What is Young Carers Action Day?
Young Carers Action Day 2026 takes place on Wednesday 11 March and the theme is ‘Fair Futures for Young Carers’.
The day calls for action to ensure young carers have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive as their peers, with the right recognition, support and chances to reach their potential.
Young Carers Action Day provides an opportunity for everyone to call for better support for young carers and young adult carers, and to bring about change.
Anyone can support Young Carers Action Day by posting on social media using #YoungCarersActionDay.
In 2026, together we will highlight the support young carers need to reach their potential, from recognition in school and access to training and employment, to meaningful breaks, wellbeing support and opportunities that help them build brighter futures.
If you’re a young carer and would like to get involved in Young Carers Action Day we would like to hear from you. Please email the young carers team using the button below.
Young Carers in Schools Campaign
Extensive feedback gathered last year by Carers Trust Solihull, revealed that there are still improvements to be made to the experience of young carers in schools. Young carers often face additional barriers linked to their caring responsibilities, particularly in education.
These challenges can affect:
-
Mental and physical wellbeing
-
Attendance and punctuality
-
Concentration and attainment
-
Confidence about future education and employment
Many young carers balance homework, revision and school expectations alongside significant responsibilities at home. Without early identification and support, this can have a lasting impact on their outcomes.
Young Carers Action Day is an opportunity to call for stronger systems within schools to ensure young carers are recognised early and given the flexibility, understanding and pastoral support they need to succeed. One such system already in place and available to educational settings is the Young Carers in Schools Award.
The average age of a young carer in Solihull is 11 years old.
Run jointly by Carers Trust and The Children’s Society, the Young Carers in Schools (YCiS) programme works with schools across England to share good practice, provide relevant tools and training, and celebrate the great outcomes many schools achieve for young carers.
By participating in the programme, schools can demonstrate their commitment to supporting this especially vulnerable group of pupils, as well as earning your school:
-
National recognition for improving outcomes for young carers through the Young Carers in Schools Award.
-
Take clear, manageable steps to enhance support for this vulnerable group—guiding schools to prioritise and plan their next actions.
-
Access a range of support, including practical tools, templates, examples of good practice, webinars, and professional development opportunities.
At Carers Trust Solihull, we have already worked with numerous schools across the
Solihull borough, to help them attain their YCiS Award and YCiS Award Plus. We are always looking for new schools who are seeking to help the hidden young carers.
If you would like to learn more about the Young Carers in School Award, as well as learn more about the struggles young and young adult carers face within educational settings, please visit our Education Professionals page for information.
You can help young and young adult carers who often don’t know where to go for help, or if it is even available for them. Together, we can help young carers be seen and acknowledged, so they are supported to build a better and more fair future for themselves.
HELP YOUNG CARERS
BE SEEN
-
94% of schools said staff were more likely to know what to do if they identified a young carer .
-
94% had a better understanding of the support required for young carers.
-
83% of young carers demonstrated an increase in confidence.
-
63% reported improvements in young carers’ achievements.
-
72% of schools thought young carers motivation to learn had improved.
-
83% of young carers demonstrated increased happiness.
-
73% of schools reported young carers’ classroom engagement had improved.
-
85% of young carers demonstrated increased wellbeing.
Celebrating at Young Carers Club
At club on Thursday 5th March 2026, we will be marking the campaign in line with this year’s theme, “Fair Futures for Young Carers”. With a strong focus on what success looks like for young carers, particularly within school, education and ensuring activities are accessible to those who may face barriers to participation.
16% of young carers aged 5-17 are the only person the cared-for relies on for support.
We will be hosting a mobile planetarium experience to offer young carers the opportunity to explore space in a safe setting, provide a calm, sensory experience, spark curiosity, imagination and aspiration. This will help encourage young carers to look beyond their caring role and reflect on their ambitions for the future and create a shared experience that promotes connection and belonging.
If you would like to take part in these celebrations, or want to know what else we have upcoming for young and young adult carers, check out our What’s On calendar, and make sure you register your interest, by just using the button below.
At club on Thursday 5th March 2026, we will be marking the campaign in line with this year’s theme, “Fair Futures for Young Carers”. With a strong focus on what success looks like for young carers, particularly within school, education and ensuring activities are accessible to those who may face barriers to participation.
16% of young carers aged 5-17 are the only person the cared-for relies on for support.
We will be hosting a mobile planetarium experience to offer young carers the opportunity to explore space in a safe setting, provide a calm, sensory experience, spark curiosity, imagination and aspiration. This will help encourage young carers to look beyond their caring role and reflect on their ambitions for the future and create a shared experience that promotes connection and belonging.
If you would like to take part in these celebrations, or want to know what else we have upcoming for young and young adult carers, check out our What’s On calendar, and make sure you register your interest, by just using the button below.
What does success mean to young carers?
Alongside club celebrations, we will be also recording a short film capturing young carers’ voices, as they share:
-
What achieving success looks like to them (include success in education, relationships, etc.).
-
What barriers they currently face.
-
What would help them feel supported in school.
-
What changes could make a real difference.
In 2024, the highest needs of young carers in Solihull, in order are: social, education, emotional needs and support networks.
Success can be different for everyone. It could could be moving out, owning a car, having a healthy relationship, attending school without worry, passing exams or feeling understood by teachers and peers. The discussion will not just have a focus on aspirations but also how these goals could be achieved.
We will also be introducing a wish box at clubs to enable young carers to have a safe and anonymous way to share what support they would like to receive within their schools.
Alongside club celebrations, we will be also recording a short film capturing young carers’ voices, as they share:
-
What achieving success looks like to them (include success in education, relationships, etc.).
-
What barriers they currently face.
-
What would help them feel supported in school.
-
What changes could make a real difference.
In 2024, the highest needs of young carers in Solihull, in order are: social, education, emotional needs and support networks.
We will be sharing this video across our socials, website and on this page. So keep subscribed and follow our socials so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about the hopes and dreams of our young carers.
Success can be different for everyone. It could could be moving out, owning a car, having a healthy relationship, attending school without worry, passing exams or feeling understood by teachers and peers. The discussion will not just have a focus on aspirations but also how these goals could be achieved. We will also be introducing a wish box at clubs to enable young carers to have a safe and anonymous way to share what support they would like to receive within their schools.
what does success mean to you
video
Raising Awareness Across Solihull
Caring responsibilities can impact punctuality, attendance, concentration and attainment, as young carers often take on responsibilities that would usually be expected of an adult.
Nationally, it is estimated that 1 in 5 pupils may be a young carer.
The young carers team and our volunteers, will be delivering awareness packs to up to 50 schools across Solihull who do not frequently engage with our service. These packs will provide information and practical resources to help schools identify, engage and support young carers more efficiently.
If you would like more information about what we can offer young and young adult carers, or you’d like us to visit your school to deliver awareness, then get in touch with us by email using the button below.
Caring responsibilities can impact punctuality, attendance, concentration and attainment, as young carers often take on responsibilities that would usually be expected of an adult.
Nationally, it is estimated that 1 in 5 pupils may be a young carer.
The young carers team and our volunteers, will be delivering awareness packs to up to 50 schools across Solihull who do not frequently engage with our service. These packs will provide information and practical resources to help schools identify, engage and support young carers more efficiently.
If you would like more information about what we can offer young and young adult carers, or you’d like us to visit your school to deliver awareness, then get in touch with the young carers team by using the button below.
Schools & Colleges Receive Celebration Grant!
We are once again offering seven grants of up to £200 for schools to hold an event for young carers.
The fund will enable young carers to:
-
Come together in a supportive environment.
-
Meet other young carers.
-
Connect with school staff and external agencies who support them.
1 in 5 pupils are young carers – however 72% of schools identified no young carers in their schools in the national school census.
We are encouraging schools to provide pictures and feedback of their event to enable Carers Trust Solihull to share across our social media platforms to help raise awareness. So make sure you come back and follow us on social media to get the latest fun-filled celebrations and amazing awareness building, from schools across the Solihull borough.
We are once again offering seven grants of up to £200 for schools to hold an event for young carers.
The fund will enable young carers to:
-
Come together in a supportive environment.
-
Meet other young carers.
-
Connect with school staff and external agencies who support them.
1 in 5 pupils are young carers – however 72% of schools identified no young carers in their schools in the national school census.
We are encouraging schools to provide pictures and feedback of their event to enable Carers Trust Solihull to share across our social media platforms to help raise awareness. So make sure you come back and follow us on social media to get the latest fun-filled celebrations and amazing awareness building, from schools across the Solihull borough.
Raising the Voices of Young Carers
We are thrilled that Greatest Hits Radio and Hits Radio Solihull will be talking to one of our young carers to mark Young Carers Action Day!
40% of young and young adult carers say they ‘never’ or ‘not often’ get support in their school, college or university.
This is a unique chance to hear a young carer share their experiences and highlight the challenges young carers face every day. Tune in and hear their story!
We are thrilled that Greatest Hits Radio and Hits Radio Solihull will be talking to one of our young carers to mark Young Carers Action Day!
40% of young and young adult carers say they ‘never’ or ‘not often’ get support in their school, college or university.
This is a unique chance to hear a young carer share their experiences and highlight the challenges young carers face every day. Tune in and hear their story!
If you can’t make it on the day then don’t worry, we will be sharing it the moment it happens, across our socials, website and this very page. Although they may only be a single voice, a thousand ears listening will amplify its power and reach. Stick around so you don’t miss out.
A Day to Shine on the Pitch
We are excited to be offering two young carer families the chance to be mascots at a Solihull Moors FC home game!
We will be reaching out to families who would love this special match day experience. It is a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on young carers and celebrate everything they do.
44% of young and young adult carers said caring ‘always’ or ‘usually’ affected how much time they spend with friends.
Held on 7th March at Damson Park (The ARMCO Arena), the mighty Moors will take on Gateshead, with kick-off at 3PM. You can purchase your tickets to show support to the team and our brave young carers by using the button below.
Held on 7th March at Damson Park (The ARMCO Arena), the mighty Moors will take on Gateshead, with kick-off at 3PM. You can purchase your tickets to show support to the team and our brave young carers by using the button below. Prices range from FREE for under-12s to just £21 for adults. So show your support to not only the young carers but also the team for being so open and supportive of us. Up The Moors!
We are excited to be offering two young carer families the chance to be mascots at a Solihull Moors FC home game!
We will be reaching out to families who would love this special match day experience. It is a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on young carers and celebrate everything they do.
44% of young and young adult carers said caring ‘always’ or ‘usually’ affected how much time they spend with friends.
Held on 7th March at Damson Park (The ARMCO Arena), the mighty Moors will take on Gateshead, with kick-off at 3PM. You can purchase your tickets to show support to the team and our brave young carers by using the button below. Prices range from FREE for under-12s to just £21 for adults. So show your support to not only the young carers but also the team for being so open and supportive of us. Up The Moors!
The feedback gathered from all of these events will help Carers Trust Solihull better understand what young carers want and need from their education settings, strengthen our work with schools to create fairer futures where every young carer can have the opportunity to thrive.
