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
Are you a young carer living in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, or Swindon?
Young Carers on Tour offers free, interactive university visits, skill-building workshops, and residential experiences designed to help you explore your options, build life skills, meet others who share similar experiences, and plan your next steps in education.
Transport is also provided (free of charge).
| Date and time | Location and activities | Registration form |
| Saturday 17th October 2026
Approx. 10am- 4pm |
Oxford Brookes University (Uni Fusion)
• Join a campus treasure hunt • Build practical life skills • Plan for your future pathways |
Students can register for any or all of these events by completing this registration form. |
| Saturday 5th December 2026
Approx. 10am- 4pm |
Buckinghamshire New University
• Hands-on subject tasters (forensic psychology, DNA & fingerprinting) • Campus tour • Guidance on young-carer-specific support |
|
| Tuesday 16th February 2027
Approx. 10am- 4pm |
University of Oxford, Merton College
• Admissions and application guidance • Q&A session with current university students • Free lunch in the historic dining hall |
Note: After a student registers, we will contact a parent or guardian directly to confirm consent.
Have questions or want to learn more?
Get in touch with the Study Higher team at 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