Young Carers
Who is a ‘young carer’?
Young carers are young people who care, unpaid, for someone who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Older young carers (aged 16-25) are also known as young adult carers and they may have different support needs to younger carers. (Carers Trust)
To find out more about young carers and support from carers services please visit the Carers Trust website.
‘Young Carers on Tour’ Project
Study Higher offers a variety of educational experiences to support young (adult) carers with their next steps in education. Transport is provided free of charge.
Young carers from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon are invited to take part in a number of interesting, interactive opportunities such as visits to different universities, informative and interactive workshops and a residential.
This project is designed to offer impartial advice about educational pathways, help young carers harness their future choices, develop and improve life skills, maintain friendships and share an understanding of life as a young (adult) carer.
An exciting range of events is being planned for 2025/26. Please see below for more information. Below the table you can download a booklet with more detail about the opportunities and events for 2025/26.
| Date | Event | How to book a place |
| Saturday 25th October 2025 | University of Reading visit
You will experience two subject taster sessions:
You will also have the opportunity to go on a campus tour and eat lunch in their canteen. Transport and lunch provided |
PAST EVENT- FORM CLOSED |
| Saturday 6th December 2025 | UniFusion at Oxford Brookes University
The complete agenda is in the planning stages but you will hear the experiences from guest speakers, including those who were young carers and take part in a variety of interactive, fun and informative workshops. Transport and lunch provided |
PAST EVENT- FORM CLOSED |
| Saturday 31st January 2026 | Crocodiles of the World
Come face-to-face with different species of crocodiles, caiman and alligators, as well as meerkats, Binturong, Galapagos tortoises and a Komodo dragon. You’ll experience the day in a fun, safe and stimulating environment. With under-water viewing, talks, animal encounters and feeds throughout the day. Transport provided. Bring your own lunch |
Registration form |
| Monday 30th April- Wednesday 1st April 2026 | Easter residential
Our 3 day, 2 night Easter break residential will be highly focused on higher education and the universities in the south region, that have support packages available to young adult carers. We we will visit three universities:
Transport and food provided across the three days |
Use the form above. |
| May/ June 2026
(Date TBC) |
Visit to University of Oxford, Trinity College | Registration form coming soon |
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about upcoming events, please contact: youngcarers@studyhigher.ac.uk
The impact of ‘Young Carers on Tour’
‘Young Carers on Tour’ has been running since 2021 and over the last few years we have worked with over 130 young carers, facilitated 4 residentials and over 35 events. Please see our impact infographics below for more information about our impact and activities.
Testimonials
They made me feel like I shouldn’t stress as there are many options as to what I can do in life.
Young carer
"I wanted to send a massive thank you to the team for taking such good care of my child and for giving them this amazing opportunity - they were so full of energy and enthusiasm when they returned!"
Parent of a young carer
The people I get to meet and do activities with because it gets me feeling less isolated.
Young carer
"Actually visiting the range of universities has opened my daughter's eyes to the world of further study and the opportunities she can have.
The events where she stayed for a few days to sample life in the area and meet other learners to ask questions were particularly valuable."
Parent of a young carer
I really want to come to university now - just mainly from Ben's talk [young carer student ambassador] and what he said. It made me realise I could actually do it if I tried and put myself first.
Young carer
"She absolutely loved the opportunity to see a university and experience the campus. She is definitely going to university!"
Parent of a young carer