10/06/2026
Carers Week 2026: Celebrating Young Carers and Building Carer-Friendly Communities Across Torfaen
This Carers Week (8–14 June 2026), Torfaen Young Carers is celebrating the incredible contribution made by young carers and young adult carers across the county borough while encouraging more young people to access the support available to them.
The theme of Carers Week 2026, "Building Carer-Friendly Communities," highlights the importance of recognising carers, raising awareness of their experiences, and ensuring they feel supported to achieve their own goals and aspirations.
Throughout the week, young carers from across Torfaen will take part in a range of exciting activities designed to promote wellbeing, build confidence, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.
More than 50 young carers will attend the YMCA Young Carers Festival in Southampton, joining other young carers from across the UK for a unique experience filled with activities, entertainment and opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Young adult carers will come together for a social meal at a local Harvester restaurant, providing an opportunity to relax, build friendships and celebrate their achievements. Young carers will also enjoy a bowling session during Carers Week, while primary-aged young carers will have the opportunity to experience paddleboarding at Llandegfedd Reservoir, helping to develop confidence, resilience and new skills.
These activities form part of a wider programme of support delivered throughout the year. Working alongside local partners, Torfaen Young Carers provides regular weekly and fortnightly groups, residential experiences, seasonal activities and opportunities for young carers to connect, learn and thrive.
Every day, young carers across Torfaen provide support to family members affected by illness, disability, mental health challenges, substance misuse or other additional support needs. While many young people see this support simply as part of family life, it is important that they know they are not alone and that support is available.
A spokesperson for Torfaen Young Carers said:
"Young carers show remarkable kindness, strength and resilience every day. Carers Week is an opportunity to celebrate not only the support they provide to others, but also their own achievements, talents, ambitions and futures. We want every young carer and young adult carer in Torfaen to know that they are valued, recognised and that support is available whenever they need it."
As part of Carers Week, Torfaen Young Carers is also encouraging children, young people, families, schools and professionals to help identify young carers who may benefit from support.
Young carers can apply for a Young Carers ID Card, helping them to identify themselves as a young carer and raise awareness of their caring role in schools, healthcare settings and the wider community. The card can also provide reassurance that the young person is connected to support services.
The service is also encouraging young carers and families to consider requesting a Young Carer's Needs Assessment. Under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, the focus is not on the amount of care a young person provides but on the impact caring may have on their wellbeing and what support might help them achieve the outcomes that matter to them.
"Many young people do not realise they are young carers, and others may feel they do not provide enough care to ask for support. The reality is that if caring is part of a young person's life and they feel it impacts on their wellbeing, education, friendships or opportunities, support may be available. We would encourage families and professionals to start those conversations and find out more."
This Carers Week, Torfaen Young Carers is encouraging everyone to play their part in building communities where young carers feel recognised, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
Find Out More
Young Carers ID Card:
https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/Forms/Request/Young-carers-ID-card-carer/Young-Carers-ID-Card-Carer.aspx
To request a Young Carer's Needs Assessment:
Email: [email protected]
F
or information about groups, activities and support opportunities, contact Torfaen Young Carers.
://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/Related-Documents/SocialServicesPublicInformation/Youn%EF%BB%BFg-Carers-Factsheet.pdf
The Young Carers ID card will give young carers a quick way to inform teachers, pharmacists and GPs, staff in supermarkets, and community services such as leisure centres and local transport, that they look after someone. It will also help them access their rights under the Social Services and Well-...
