Essex MP calls for government to ensure "young carers are a golden thread throughout policy"
There are an estimated 12,000 young carers in Essex, as young as four years old
There is an estimated 12,000 young carers in Essex and new research by Carers Trust shows half aren't getting the care they need.
Harlow MP Chris Vince has been a driving force behind Young Carers Action Day this week, assisting carers from across the country on an open top bus to Wesminster.
He tells Greatest Hits Radio he wants young carers to be a "golden thread throughout government policy".
Chris Vince is calling for two things at a parliamentary debate on the education of young carers:
- The need for a young carers lead in every school - a point of contact for young carers if they're absent, late etc.
- Teacher training - so teachers are aware of these issues, and understand how best to support young carers.
"Some carers in Essex can be as young as four and often balance their school and social lives with their caring duties" says MP Vince.
The survey by Carers Trust, released on 12 March 2025, reveals almost a quarter of young carers say no one else can provide the care they do and two-fifths worry too much about the person they care for to take a break.
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration said: “Unpaid carers of all ages carry out an invaluable role."
"Young Carers in particular sacrifice many aspects of their childhood to care for loved ones. It is vital we are there for them so they can carry on their caring role but also still have the time and space for friends and school too.”
72% of young carers miss out on the school holidays, nearly half miss out on friendships and almost one in five say they’re missing time out of their education, reveals the Carers Trust.
Support for young carers is provided through Essex council’s Young Carers Service:
• carers assessments to identify the best support for individual circumstances
• information and guidance
• One to one key worker support where needed
• respite and training
• referrals for specialist support , counselling, emotional support and peer support
These drop-in sessions are available to all unpaid carers to learn more about the support available in their local area:
MID: Tuesday 18th March 10:30am - 12:30pm at Little Baddow Memorial Hall, North Hill, Little Baddow, CM3 4TA
SOUTH: Thursday 20th March 2:30pm - 4:30pm at The Wick Community Centre, Silva Island Way, Salcott Crescent, Wickford, SS12 9NR
WEST: Tuesday 25th March 2:30pm - 4:30pm at The Link, Great Pardon Community Association, Parsloe Rd, Harlow, CM19 4RT
NORTH: Thursday 27th March 10:30am - 12:30pm at Acorn Hall, The Oak Tree Centre, 252 Harwich Road, Colchester, CO4 3DH
Carers Trust is calling on the UK Government to ensure all young carers have access to a properly funded break from their caring role. Politicians, education providers, employers and other organisations are also being asked to sign the Young Carers Covenant, a pledge to help young carers improve their lives.
Kirsty McHugh, Carers Trust’s CEO, said:
“Across the UK, children as young as five are spending huge amounts of their free time caring for others. We know this can have a devastating effect on their education, wellbeing and future prospects. It is simply wrong that, as a country, we are asking so many children to take on so much.
“Those in power need to give young carers a break. If we want young people to thrive, as well as those for which they care, we need to give these young people the chance to take time out from their caring duties.”