Birmingham Young Carers

02/06/2026

At BYC, we are all looking forward to supporting 25 of our young carers to attend this year's festival. Less than 4 weeks to go!!

🎉 The countdown is ON! The UK's largest Young Carers Festival is coming to Fairthorne Manor this June!

From 26th–28th June 2026, we'll be welcoming 1,000 Young Carers from across the country to Botley, Southampton for a weekend full of adventure, friendship, live entertainment, workshops, music and so much more.

Across the UK, nearly 800,000 children and young people carry caring responsibilities for a family member affected by illness, disability, mental health challenges or addiction — often juggling this alongside school and everyday life.

This weekend is for them. A chance to step away from daily pressures, have fun, make memories, and feel truly valued.

"Whilst the festival lasts only one weekend, the impact it has on many young people can last much longer." — Josh Towers, Youth Services Director

If you feel like you have something to give to your community, or volunteering might be for you, we'd love to hear from you. Find out more and get involved 👉 https://ymca-fg.org/young-carers-festival/

29/05/2026

Partner in Care – hospital settings 🏥

If the person you care for is in hospital, you are a Partner in Care. You have the right to be involved in decisions, discharge planning and updates 💬

Ask ward staff about a Carer ID or Partner in Care card.

https://forwardcarers.org.uk/

19/05/2026

Don’t wait for a crisis ⏳

If caring is getting harder, don’t wait for a crisis. Reaching out early can open up emotional support, respite options and help with planning ahead 🤝

Support is there – and it’s okay to ask.

https://forwardcarers.org.uk/

19/05/2026

In June, we will be taking a group of around 25 Young Carers to YMCA Fairthorne Manor in Southampton to celebrate 26 years of the Young Carers Festival, the world’s largest residential festival created exclusively for young carers who have caring responsibilities for a family member or loved one.

The festival is a weekend that gives young carers their childhood back.

A proper break. Real laughs. Just a weekend where they can breathe and have fun surrounded by people who understand.

We are fortunate enough to have secured the funding for the tickets and transport for our group from Birmingham but the festival relies on donations to ensure everyone attending can have the best experience possible

"It is the first time in years I did not have to help my brother for school." - Young Carer at the Young Carers Festival, 2025.

Caring is a lot to take on as a young person and can have a huge impact on their wellbeing. It can be a 24/7 responsibility — and young carers at the festival in 2025 told us that they often don’t feel seen.

09/05/2026

Know what to do in an emergency 📝

What would happen if you suddenly couldn’t care? A simple What If Plan gives peace of mind and helps protect the person you care for in an emergency 💛 Planning ahead reduces anxiety – and you don’t have to do it alone.


https://forwardcarers.org.uk/

29/04/2026

Your health matters too 💚

Carers often put themselves last – but your health matters just as much. Stress, poor sleep or burnout aren’t things you have to “just cope with”. Speak to your GP and get support 🩺

Looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential.

https://forwardcarers.org.uk/

19/04/2026

Tell your GP you’re a Carer 💬

Caring for someone? Even a few hours a week counts.
Telling your GP you’re a Carer can unlock extra support for you – including priority appointments and wellbeing checks.

You’re entitled to support too.

https://forwardcarers.org.uk/

15/04/2026

09/04/2026

Carer’s Assessment 📋

Feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope? You could be entitled to a Carer’s Assessment – focused on your needs, not the needs of the person you support.

Help is available, and you don’t have to manage alone.

https://forwardcarers.org.uk/

03/04/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Leonardo Carer Support Dorset! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate their achievement of the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark – recognising their commitment to supporting staff who balance work with caring responsibilities.

From clear policies and Carer Champion training to going beyond statutory support, this award highlights what great Carer Friendly practice looks like in action.

With 1 in 7 employees juggling work and unpaid care, creating supportive workplaces is more important than ever – improving wellbeing, retention and inclusion.

Donna Blanche, CEO of Leonardo Carer Support, said: “It’s not just what we do as a service to our community, it’s who we are. That’s why we are committed to supporting Carers both in the community and within our own team.”

👉 Read the full story: https://forwardcarers.org.uk/forward-carers-awards-employer-commitment-mark-to-leonardo-carer-support-dorset/

Leonardo Carer Support