Across Buckinghamshire, many children quietly take on responsibilities far beyond their years. While caring for a loved one is often associated with adults, the reality is that in classrooms across England there is likely to be at least one pupil providing regular, unpaid care to someone at home. These young carers support parents, siblings, relatives or friends who may be ill, disabled, or struggling in other ways. Their help can range from practical tasks such as collecting prescriptions or helping someone get dressed, to offering emotional support or even helping manage household finances.
This March, Buckinghamshire Council is shining a light on these remarkable young people as part of its Stronger with Support carers campaign. With Young Carers Action Day taking place on 11 March, the campaign is expanding to focus specifically on young carers and ensure they know that help is available and they do not have to face their responsibilities alone.
In Buckinghamshire, around 1,800 young carers are registered with Carers Bucks, while the 2025 school census identified 1,332 young carers across local schools. However, the true number is likely to be much higher. Many young carers remain unidentified, quietly balancing school, friendships and home responsibilities without drawing attention to themselves. Evidence from a Carers UK report published in February 2025 highlights the extent of the duties some young carers take on. These can include helping family members wash or dress, administering medication, collecting prescriptions, providing emotional support, and managing household tasks. While carried out with love and dedication, these responsibilities can place a heavy burden on children and teenagers.
The impact can be significant. Young carers are more likely to feel exhausted, struggle to concentrate at school, fall behind with learning, and experience loneliness, stress or anxiety. Yet they continue to show extraordinary resilience and compassion.
Buckinghamshire Council is determined to ensure these young people receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, highlighted the importance of supporting young carers across the county.
Every young carer supports someone who could not manage without them, but those young people also need care, support and opportunities to enjoy their childhood away from the responsibilities they have at home. Buckinghamshire Council wants young carers to know they are not alone and that support is available. The council is also encouraging teachers, health professionals and others who work with children to help identify young carers so they can benefit from the help on offer.
A key part of that support comes from Young Carers Bucks, part of the charity Carers Bucks, which works with young carers aged between five and seventeen across the county. The organisation provides dedicated support workers who help young carers navigate the challenges of their caring role, whether that means dealing with emotional worries, managing school pressures or simply having someone to talk to. The charity also runs youth clubs and group activities, giving young carers the chance to relax, make friends and spend time with other young people who understand their experiences.
For Buckinghamshire Council, the message is clear: young carers deserve the same opportunities as every other child to enjoy their childhood, succeed in school and look ahead to a bright future. Recognising young carers is the first step towards making that happen. Residents, teachers, neighbours and community groups all have a role to play in helping identify young people who may be quietly caring for someone at home.
Through the Stronger with Support campaign, the council hopes more young carers across Buckinghamshire will be recognised, supported and celebrated for the incredible role they play within their families and communities.
