If you’re a young adult carer, you already know what it means to juggle caring responsibilities with education, work, friendships, and your own wellbeing. Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) is your national day — a day designed to spotlight your experiences, campaign for better support, and celebrate the incredible role you play.
YCAD isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about action, change, fairness, and making sure your future is as bright and full of possibility as anyone else’s.
📅 When is Young Carers Action Day 2026?
YCAD 2026 will take place on Wednesday 11 March 2026, with a UK‑wide focus on championing the rights and futures of young carers and young adult carers.
🎯 This Year’s Theme: “Fair Futures for Young Carers”
YCAD 2026 continues with the theme “Fair Futures for Young Carers” — a focus first introduced in 2024 and still essential today, because the challenges young carers face don’t vanish in a year, and neither does the need to keep pushing for better support.
The theme highlights:
- Fair access to education
- Support and opportunities in training and employment
- Mental health and wellbeing services
- The need for regular breaks from caring roles
YCAD is about ensuring you aren’t left behind because of your caring responsibilities — especially as you navigate early adulthood.
💡 Why YCAD Includes Young Adult Carers Too
Historically, awareness days focused only on carers under 18. But that changed when national surveys showed that young adult carers (18–25) face many of the same challenges, often with even less support as they transition into adulthood.
That means:
- You are included.
- Your voice matters.
- Your experiences shape YCAD activities and national campaigns.
🌍 How YCAD Helps Young Adult Carers in West Sussex
While YCAD is a national campaign, its impact filters directly into local support in areas like West Sussex.
✨ 1. Recognition
YCAD helps professionals, colleges, employers, and the public better understand the pressures you face — increasing empathy, support, and flexibility.
🛠️ 2. Action & Campaigning
It pushes for structural change: fairer access to opportunities, improved wellbeing support, and better transitions into adult services.
🤝 3. Community & Belonging
YCAD brings young carers and young adult carers together through events, resources, conversations, and shared stories.
📚 4. Resources & Guidance
Carers Trust releases YCAD resource packs — posters, guides, and storytelling tools — to help you advocate for yourself and others.
📣 How You Can Get Involved
Whether you prefer to be loud or support from the sidelines, there are lots of ways to join in.
✔ Join the conversation
Use the hashtags #YoungCarersActionDay and #FairFutures on social media.
✔ Share your story
Resource packs include storytelling guides to help you speak out safely and confidently.
✔ Let people know you’re a carer
It can feel scary, but letting your college, GP, or employer know can unlock support you didn’t even realise was available.
💬 Why YCAD Matters for Your Future
YCAD is a reminder that:
- You deserve rest and balance
- You deserve mental health support
- You deserve equal opportunities in work and education
- You deserve a fair future
And most importantly — you are not alone.
🌟 You’re invited! 🌟
Continuing the theme of YCAD, this Easter break, Carers Support West Sussex and the West Sussex Young Carers Family Service are bringing you an exciting careers event created just for young adult carers.
Future Pathways – Jobs & Skills Fair for Young Adult Carers (for ages 15-25)
📅 Friday 10th April 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Field Place, Worthing, BN13 1NP
Step into a relaxed, marketplace-style event where you can explore:
✨ Local employers who value young adult carers
✨ Colleges, training providers & opportunities to boost your future
✨ Services designed to support your life, goals, and wellbeing
You’ll also find:
- Wellbeing Hub: Activities to help you unwind, recharge, and focus on you
- CV & Money Workshops: Build your confidence with practical skills for adult life
This event is all about empowering you — whether you’re planning your future, exploring new options, or simply want time out to focus on yourself.
🤝 Support for Young Adult Carers
If you’re unsure where to start, need help planning your future, or just want to talk things through, support is always here.
Carers Support West Sussex provides advice, emotional support, groups, and guidance for carers of any age 18+.
📞 0300 028 8888
📧 info@carerssupport.org.uk
🌐 Carers Smart Search: www.carerssupport.org.uk/carers-smart-search/
Our My Future groups (ages 16–21) is also a safe space to chat, share experiences, and explore your independence.
Take Care,
The Young Adult Carers Team
