Council launches new strategy to support young carers

Young carers are leading the way as Bury Council launches a new strategy to ensure they receive the support they need.

The strategy was created after close consultation with Bury’s young carers, reflecting the council’s commitment to understanding and acting upon their views.

It is being launched this week during Carers Week (9 – 15 June), an annual campaign by Carers UK to raise awareness of caring and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.  

Young carers are the hidden heroes of our borough, and are defined as people under 18 who look after a family member due to illness, disability, mental health, or addiction issues. These young people often have responsibility for a wide range of tasks at home such as cooking, shopping, housework and providing practical and emotional support for their loved ones – in addition to managing their ordinary day-to-day commitments such as schoolwork.

Bury is committed to the Young Carers Covenant, which states that young carers should be recognised and listened to and not have to take on roles that are inappropriate, excessive or that negatively impact their life opportunities, health and well-being.

A survey conducted among young carers in Bury revealed that 79% of them provide more than 20 hours of care each week. Every young carer that responded reported that their caring role affects at least one area of their life, with all agreeing that their free time is significantly impacted.

The new strategy marks a significant step forward in ensuring young carers receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. It includes:

• A comprehensive offer of group and one-to-one support with dedicated activities for those aged 7 to 18

• Enhanced support in schools ensuring teachers and staff can identify and assist young carers early on

• The development of Young Carers Champions in school
• Increased awareness training for professionals across the health, education, and social care sectors

• A self-assessment tool which they can complete themselves or with support.

The strategy also emphasises a ‘no wrong door’ policy, whereby any professional or service working with families where an adult requires additional care has a responsibility to identify whether a child in the family is a young carer, and must refer the child to the appropriate service, where they can be assessed and offered the support they need.

Schools, friends, families, and parents can also make referrals to Bury Young Carers Service, and young people can also self-refer.

A referral ensures that young carers needs are assessed, and a plan of targeted support put in place which will be reviewed regularly.

Young carers are also invited to join Bury’s SHINE programme to help them understand their family’s needs and develop confidents and resilience and can access Bury’s targeted junior and senior youth sessions which give them opportunities to socialise with other young carers and take a break from their responsibilities.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “As a council, we are inspired by the strength and resilience of Bury’s young carers. Every child deserves the chance to enjoy their childhood, learn and reach their potential, and this new strategy, co-created with young carers, puts their voices at the heart of everything we do. We are determined to make sure no young carer feels invisible or unsupported in our community.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 June 2025.

Note to editors:

Bury Young Carers Service offers information, support and advice on issues relating to young carers, and runs drop-in groups where young carers can meet other carers, share experiences, and create friendships, offering one-to-one and group support and activities for young people aged 7 to 18. For more information visit our website: Young carers - Bury Council

You can read the Young Carers Covenant here: Young Carers Covenant