Across Europe, young carers take on the crucial but often invisible role of supporting their loved ones with illness, disability or other health challenges. Many of these young people are still at school, juggling caring responsibilities with their personal development and education, making them one of the most vulnerable and overlooked groups in society. EUROCARERS is committed to raising awareness, advocating for policy change and providing support to young carers across Europe.
The Eurocarers Young Carers Working Group is an important part of our structure and includes 30 young carers, young adult carers or former young carers from 11 countries. This community of experts with lived experience informs our work and advocates for policies and practices that empower young carers to pursue their life goals.
Who are young carers?
Young carers are children and young people who look after family members with chronic illnesses, disabilities or mental health problems. Whether preparing meals, doing household chores or assisting with medical care, these young people take on responsibilities far beyond their years. Despite their critical role, young carers often remain invisible, rarely receiving the recognition or support they need from their communities or policymakers.
The impact on well-being
Young carers face significant challenges that can affect their well-being. Many experience social isolation, academic difficulties and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Balancing caring responsibilities with school and personal development often leaves them feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. Studies show that young carers are more likely to underachieve at school and have limited access to social opportunities, which can hinder their future prospects.
The power of visibility
The first step in supporting young carers is to make their efforts visible. Through awareness campaigns and advocacy, we can ensure that young carers get the recognition and support they need.
We call on educators, healthcare providers and policy makers to join us in creating systems that ensure young carers are no longer left to carry the burden alone.
Raising awareness through initiatives: Young Carers Week in Belgium
One successful awareness-raising campaign is the first Young Carers Week in Belgium (Flanders), which took place from 21 to 25 October. The campaign highlighted the challenges faced by young carers and advocated for better support systems. During this dedicated week, Belgian organisations worked together to organise events, workshops and social media campaigns aimed at increasing public understanding of the role of young carers.
The initiative brought together schools, healthcare providers and policymakers to explore how they can better support young carers by offering more flexible education options, mental health resources and recognition within healthcare systems. As well as shining a light on the hidden struggles of young carers, the campaign gave them the opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges, helping to reduce their sense of isolation.
For more information on EUROCARERS’ activities in the field of young carers, please visit the website: https://eurocarers.org/
PH Zen Chung: