Isle Of Wight Council Highlights Support For Young Carers During Carers Week

The Isle of Wight Council is encouraging schools, communities and residents to recognise and support young carers during Carers Week, which runs from 8 to 14 June.

Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who regularly look after a family member or someone in their home with a physical illness, disability, mental health condition, or substance misuse issue.

Their responsibilities can often go far beyond what would normally be expected for their age, including cooking, cleaning, administering medication and providing emotional support.

On the Isle of Wight, around 600 young carers have been identified.

Data from the Spring 2025 school census shows 254 pupils across Island schools are known young carers – around 1.5% of the school population, compared with a national average of 0.8%.

Secondary schools report the highest numbers, although officials say underreporting remains an issue nationally, with many young carers still going unidentified.

Carers Week is a national campaign aimed at highlighting the role young carers play, while also calling for stronger support to ensure they can enjoy their childhood, succeed in education and maintain their wellbeing.

The council’s Young Carers Strategy focuses on reducing inappropriate caring responsibilities and improving access to support, including easier access to information, opportunities for breaks through activities, and tailored one-to-one and group support.

Councillor Ros Freeman, Chair of the Committee for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said young carers across the Island show “resilience, compassion and dedication every day”, often while balancing school and social lives.

She said the council is committed to ensuring they are seen, heard and supported.

Ashley Whittaker, Strategic Director of Children’s Services, said many young carers remain hidden and more work is needed to identify and support them effectively.

He added that the strategy sets out a clear commitment to helping young carers thrive and access the opportunities every child deserves.

The council is urging schools, professionals and the wider community to help identify young carers so they can access the support available.

More information is available via Barnardo’s and the Isle of Wight Family Information Hub.