Young Carers Action Day is an annual national event dedicated to raising awareness of the remarkable young people who balance unpaid caring responsibilities with school, friendship and their own future aspiration. This year, Young Carers Action Day takes place on Wednesday 11th March and will carry the theme of “Fairer Futures for Young Carers”.
At Caregivers Connected Gateshead, we’re proud to support and stand with young carers across the borough – celebrating their strength, amplifying their voices and advocating for the support they deserve.
What is Young Carers Action Day?
Young Carers Action Day is designed to highlight the challenges young carers face – such as the strain on their mental and physical health, reduced training and educational opportunities, financial pressures, and limited time to connect with others and be themeselves.
Across the UK, young carers juggle a range of caring responsibilities such as helping a family member with a long-term illness, disability, poor mental health or addiction; all while trying to keep up with school, growing up and experiencing childhood.
Fair Futures for Young Carers
The 2026 theme of “Fair Futures for Young Carers” call for real, practical change to ensure young carers across the nation have the same opportunities as their peers.
A Fair Future means having access to:
- 📘 Support in school and recognition from teachers
- 💼 Training and employment opportunities
- 😊 Bespoke wellbeing support and meaningful breaks
- ⭐ Chances to explore talents, friendships, and aspirations
Our Commitment in Gateshead
Our mission is to ensure every caregiver feels seen, supported and valued. On Young Carers Action Day, and every day, we’re working to:
- Provide bespoke 1-to-1 emotional and practical support
- Advocate within local schools for understanding and flexibility
- Offer peer groups, activities and short break opportunties
- Help young carers plan for their future
- Provide a service that has been co-produced with young carers and their families
How we’re celebrating YCAD 2026 in Gateshead
🗣️ “Fair Futures” Expert Panel Session
We’re teaming up with young carers across Gateshead for a special Expert Panel session, celebrating all they do and starting conversations on Fair Futures. Learn more about our Young Carer Expert Panels.
🎓 Young Carer awareness bulletins in local schools
Learning more about young carers helps build fairer futures. We’re equipping schools across the borough with awareness bulletins to share with staff and pupils – highlighting the vital roles young carers have.
📢 Social Media spotlights
Throughout Young Carers Action Day, we’ll be highlighting the vital impact young carers play and raising awareness of caring. Celebrate with us online using #YoungCarersActionDay
How can you support Young Carers in Gateshead?
Whether you’re a school, organisation, parent, or community member, there are so many ways to get involved:
- Share social media posts using #YoungCarersActionDay
- Recognise young carers in your school or group
- Offer flexibility or adjustments where possible
- Reach out to us to learn more about young carers
Together, we can make Gateshead a place where young carers’ futures are truly fair.