Every year we provide a full programme of fun activities for young carers, from trips to the panto and craft workshops to learning to kayak and weekend residentials on a working farm.
These give young carers a crucial break, building confidence and skills and creating lasting friendships and support.
Young carers look after somebody at home, taking on responsibilities normally only associated with adults. Some young carers are as young as 8 years old.
Many are isolated, bullied, fall behind with schoolwork and suffer from their own physical and mental health issues.
Our latest annual survey reveals young carers are doing more caring than ever, with increased levels of depression, anxiety, stress and loneliness.
- 79% of young carers feel low and depressed
- 92% are anxious
- 75% feel lonely and isolated
- 21% self-harm
- 36% feel ‘they can’t go on’
We provide hundreds of opportunities for young carers.
Last year, alone, we provided 737 breaks to 229 young carers. But, every year we have to raise every single penny for this programme of activities. Much of the money comes from donations and community fundraising by schools, groups and workplaces.
Can you help us by organising a fundraising activity?
We are lucky that we get help from all kinds of people and groups who organise their fundraising events and donate money to us. Of course, the more people who take part, the more money we can raise. Whether that’s through sponsored events, tabletop sales, quiz nights or birthday Facebook fundraisers.
Our trustees banded together to raise funds in the Great Bristol Fun Run. 
Margaret is a volunteer and coordinates our Friends Group, which runs tabletop sales and collects foreign currency to turn into donations. She is always looking for more people who can help. You would be assured of a warm welcome! If you want to find out more about the friends group, use the contact form below. 
Young carer Ellis ran the Great Bristol Run in memory of his dad. He wanted to give something back to our charity, which gave him so much support during his dad’s illness. Ellis raised an incredible £2180 through his JustGiving page 
Ernestine is a young carer (?check this) and she raised £75 at her school Christmas market selling her lovely handmade jewellery. 
Students taking part in the Princes Trust team programme chose to support young carers as part of their community project. As well as raising money they created ‘well-being boxes’ filled with treats to give to young carers.
Can you help us when you shop online?
Give as you Live
Do you shop online for things like homeware, clothes, train tickets, and gifts? Give As You Live turns your everyday shopping into funds for Carers Support. There are over 6,000 online stores registered and there’s no cost to you, or us as a charity.
Simply start your shopping from the Give As You Live website. You can access this from PCs, laptops, mobiles and tablets, and there is an app available. Remember to download the handy donation reminder to let you know when shopping in a participating store.
Can you help us by buying a monthly lottery ticket for £1?
It costs from £1 a month to join our lottery and there are 5 cash prizes between £10 and £50 to be won every month.
To join, download the standing order form and post it to us using our freepost address. We will forward the form to your bank and send you a confirmation letter. Once it is set up, the standing order is controlled by you and you can cancel it at any time.
Are you a local business?
We’ve been working with local business, Henry Nicholas, who has gained B Corp accreditation. The quality mark includes volunteering and fundraising for their local community. The staff team have organised events throughout the year, including taking part in 10k runs, the 3 Peaks Challenge and enjoying an afternoon tea and prosecco event. And a group of staff even blitzed our Young Carers Garden which was getting rather overgrown.
Whether you could help us with a one-off event, or you are interested in a longer partnership, there will be benefits for your business too. You’ll be demonstrating your commitment to supporting local young carers – children whose needs, all too often, are ignored because ‘they are just getting on with it’ and looking after someone they love.
Please get in touch!
Page last updated 30.10.23
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