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Supporting Young Carers and Young Adult Carers in West Sussex

We work alongside young carers (under 18) and young adult carers (18-25) to help them balance their caring responsibilities with their own wellbeing, education, friendships and future goals.

We work closely with West Sussex Young Carers Family Service and other local partners to ensure young carers and young adult carers can access the right support, at the right time, throughout their journey. Together, through activities, peer support, information, advice and one-to-one support, we help young carers feel recognised, connected and supported.

YOUNG CARERS

What does being a young carer mean?

A young carer is a young person under the age of 18 whose life is affected by the care needs of another person who may have any disability or  long-term illness. This could be a family member or friend with a:

  • lifelong condition
  • physical or learning disability
  • serious injury
  • mental ill-health
  • addiction
  • frailty due to old age

A young carer may be under 18 and caring for an adult(s) and/or under 18 and caring for a sibling(s).

Lots of children and young people want to help out and feel proud that they are lending a hand. At the same time the impact of these caring responsibilities may cause difficulties at home, school, college or elsewhere.

Young Carers and Young Adult Carers Activity Programme

West Sussex Young Carers Family Service and Carers Support West Sussex work closely together and alongside SidYouth to provide a consistent, high quality offer for young carers across the county.

Young carers often juggle school, friendships and their own wellbeing alongside supporting someone at home.

Through this partnership, young carers can access a wide range of meaningful activities and opportunities.

Together, we help create safe, welcoming spaces where they can build confidence, have fun and feel supported.

Carers Support West Sussex actively raises additional funding to create opportunities for young carers to connect, have fun and make lasting memories. This helps young people attend the annual Young Carers Festival, take part in Positive Activity Days for 8 to 11-year-olds, and enjoy activities through our My Futures groups.

These experiences give young people the chance to take a break from caring responsibilities, build confidence, develop new skills, make friends and discover what they can achieve.

Positive Activity Days | Ages 8–11


Positive Activity Days are school holiday sessions organised by Carers Support West Sussex and jointly delivered with the West Sussex Young Carers Family Service.

These fun, structured days give young carers aged 8–11 a much‑needed break from their caring responsibilities and time to relax and recharge.

Positive Activity Days are designed to help children:

  • take time out in a safe, friendly environment
  • build confidence through fun and creative activities
  • make new friends with similar experiences
  • feel understood and supported

 

What Parents Say

“My daughter said it was good to get a mental break from ‘stuff’. She also said that the people there just understood her and helped her share. She feels really comfortable with them.”

“These activity days are so special and a rare chance for our son to be around others that face the same demands or struggles. Staff are amazing and we really appreciate these sessions. Thank you!”

Local Groups for Young Carers | Ages 11–16

Across West Sussex, young carers aged 11–16 can join monthly youth groups planned and run by West Sussex Young Carers Family Service and SidYouth.

Across West Sussex, young carers aged 11–16 can join monthly youth groups planned and run by West Sussex Young Carers Family Service and SidYouth.

These groups run in Worthing, Chichester, Bognor, Mid‑Sussex, and Crawley, offering a consistent, welcoming space close to home.

What to Expect at the Groups

Each session includes a mix of youth‑led, engaging and relaxing activities, such as:

  • games and creative projects
  • cooking or baking together
  • time to socialise and make friends
  • space to talk with trusted adults
  • opportunities to share experiences with peers

These groups give young carers the freedom to unwind, try new things, and feel part of a community that understands what they are going through.

My Future | ages 16-21


The My Future groups, delivered jointly by Carers Support West Sussex and West Sussex Young Carers Family Service, offer fun activities, peer support and guidance.

As caring responsibilities continue into later teenage years, it can be helpful to stay connected with others who understand. The My Future groups, delivered jointly by Carers Support West Sussex and West Sussex Young Carers Family Service, offer fun activities, peer support and guidance for young people aged 16–21 as they navigate the move to adult services.

When young carers turn 18, they can register with Carers Support West Sussex, helping their support continue smoothly.

Learn more about the My Future groups and the support provides to young carers moving to adult carer services. 

As a parent or professional, there is action you can take to help support a Young Carer by referring a them to West Sussex Young Carers Family Service (under the age of 18)

To begin offering support, a referral needs to be made for the young carer. This enables the team to understand the family’s situation, identify what support may be helpful, and allocate a support worker.

Referrals are usually made by an adult on behalf of the young person. This may be a teacher, social worker, another professional, or one of the young carer’s parents.

It is important that the person making the referral has obtained permission from the family and that they are happy for their information to be shared.

At this stage, the service is also keen to understand what support the family feels would be most useful.

Is my child eligible for support from the Young Carers Family Service?

Your child may be eligible if they are under 18 and their caring role has a significant impact on their life.

 

Caring for an adult

Your child may be eligible if they:

  • have significant contact with an adult family member with a disability, illness or other long-term health need; and
  • provide significant care or are significantly affected by the person’s health needs.

 

Caring for a sibling

Your child may be eligible if they:

  • care for a sibling with a formal diagnosis; and
  • have significant caring responsibilities.

 

Mental Health Support

Young carers who meet the above criteria may also be eligible for support from the Young Carers Mental Health Advisor if they are experiencing self-harm, thoughts of suicide or significant mental health concerns.

Request for service

Support cannot be provided to sibling carers whose level of care is low to moderate. Where appropriate, they can provide information about other support available.

Requests cannot be accepted where:

  • the child is not providing care or is not significantly affected by their caring role;
  • the caring is not related to illness or disability;
  • the caring tasks are age-appropriate and have no significant impact; or
  • the required consent has not been obtained.

Not sure if your child is eligible?

Please visit the WSCC Young Carer webpages for more information about eligibility.

For further information about the support available and to request a referral form, please email youngcarers@westsussex.gov.uk.

Download Leaflets

Young Carers Mental Health Keyworker Service

Young Carers Service Flyer

Young Carers - Information for Families and Professionals