Over ninety percent of young caregivers might be operating undetected, potentially deprived of essential assistance.
In England and Wales, an estimated 800,000 young carers under the age of 18 are providing care to family members, with only around 84,256 of them registered with local authorities [1][3]. This suggests that approximately 90% of young carers are unregistered and potentially missing out on vital statutory support.
The support available for unregistered young carers is often inconsistent. Many local authorities offer limited or no additional targeted provision for young carers, especially during school holidays. Some councils provide help indirectly through programs available to all children, such as the government’s Holiday Activities Fund. Others rely on external funding like grants and charity donations to run activities, breaks, or social opportunities for young carers [1][3].
Charities like Action for Children play a crucial role in providing services for young carers, offering respite and social activities tailored to their needs [3]. However, the challenge lies in identifying and reaching these young carers, who often remain hidden or isolated due to their caring responsibilities. Local councils face pressures from high demand and limited funding, affecting their ability to offer comprehensive support [3].
Meghan, a 16-year-old from Pembrokeshire, was recently identified as a young carer by a support worker. She has been caring for her 12-year-old sister for years [2]. Elle, aged 15, and her 13-year-old brother Charles are among a group of young carers meeting up in Haverfordwest at the start of the holidays. The meeting provides them with a much-needed break from their responsibilities, offering a chance to have a childhood they may not have at home [4].
The UK Department for Education and the Welsh government urge young carers or their families to contact their local authority for help and support. The Welsh government also encourages the use of the Young Carer ID card scheme to help young carers be identified, particularly within education [3].
Vicki Phillips from Action for Children expresses concern about the lack of extra support for young carers during the summer holidays. She notes that many young carers are looking after siblings, parents, grandparents, and other relatives while juggling their own lives [3].
Sources: [1] Sky News (2025-08-02) - https://news.sky.com/story/90-of-young-carers-could-be-under-the-radar-and-missing-out-on-vital-support-13405118 [2] BBC News (2025-08-05) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-pembrokeshire-62513053 [3] Public Sector Executive (2025-08-04) - https://www.publicsectorexecutive.com/articles/hundreds-thousands-hidden-young-carers-not-getting-vital-support [4] Western Telegraph (2025-08-06) - https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/22574551.young-carers-get-respite-from-caring-duties-at-meeting-in-haverfordwest/
Despite the significant number of unregistered young carers possibly missing out on essential support, many local authorities struggle to offer consistent provision, often providing limited resources or no targeted assistance, especially during school holidays. This lack of comprehensive support can have a profound impact on their health-and-wellness, as the responsibilities of caring may limit their access to activities that promote health and wellness. On the bright side, charities like Action for Children provide respite and tailored activities for these young carers, attempting to address their unique needs, though identifying and reaching these hidden young carers remains a challenge.
