Wednesday 12 March marks Young Carers Action Day. The day is organised and led by Carers Trust, with organisations, communities and individuals encouraged to take part in the day by taking action, supporting and raising awareness of young carers.

The theme for Young Carers Action Day 2025 is 'Give Me A Break'. This theme encourages us all to think about the importance of rest and respite for young carers.

Working with Young Carers

Since 2011 Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has engaged with over 300 young carers.

After launching our Young Carers programme in Ealing, the Trust also now works in Hounslow, and, with support from a sponsor, last year we extended our work in this area to Northolt and Greenford.

The Trust is proud of the impact we have made on the lives of young people who have been engaged through the programme. By carrying out this work, we have gained insight into the unique challenges faced by young carers in this country, and developed expertise in providing support for those in this position.

Relief from Everyday Life

The Trust’s provision for young carers can often be much more than just a day trip out somewhere new. Our sessions provide opportunities to have a break from their caring role, meet other young people in similar situations, and importantly offer time for the young people to enjoy themselves and experience things that they might not have been able to because of their caring role.

“I have been caring for my mother due to her physical needs since I was around 8-10 years old. The best thing about attending the project is being able to relax and have fun outside of my responsibilities. The group has helped me to have a relief from everyday life and experience things I wouldn’t be able to access without them. It’s improved the ratio of negative/positive in my life from the day I started.” Young Person J, 18 years old.

First Hand Experience

Kathryn Sobczak manages the Young Carers Programme at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust. Growing up Kathryn was a young carer looking after her mother who had various mental health issues including depression and a personality disorder, whilst also suffering from arthritis. Throughout her teenage years, Kathryn provided emotional support for her mother, looked after her younger siblings, did the shopping and other household chores as well as coping in emergencies when her mother needed to be hospitalised.

Kathryn says, “As a young carer I attended a local young carers project who were crucial in providing emotional support, giving me opportunities to have a break from my caring role and to meet other young carers. All of which made a huge difference.

As a former young carer, I understand some of the difficulties that our young carers face and am able to relate to them. I know first-hand how important young carers projects are and the difference they make to a young person in a caring role.”

After attending a young carers project for many years, Kathryn went on to do a Social Work degree with her dissertation focussing on young carers. She has now worked at the Trust for 13 years and now manages all of the Trust’s work with young carers.

Support provided by the Trust

At the Trust, we provide face-to-face sessions and support over the phone and online for those who struggle to attend sessions with us. All families receive regular information via text message regarding opportunities available to the young carers. Our provision includes weekly youth clubs in Hanwell and Feltham, day trips and activities during the school holidays, workshops and one-to-one support covering a range of skills from cookery and first aid, through to employability support, CV advice and much more.

For more information about the Young Carers Project at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, click here.