New Campaign Launched to Help Young Adult Carers Access the Support They Deserve

9th June 2025

During this year’s Carers Week, we’re proud to announce the launch of a new campaign – “Who’s looking after you?” – designed to reach young adult carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire who may not realise they’re entitled to support.

Funded by the government’s Accelerating Reform Fund, this campaign is a collaboration between Carers Support, Rethink Mental Illness, Bristol Black Carers, and the Chinese Community Wellbeing Society. Together, we aim to raise awareness and offer practical help to young adults with caring responsibilities – especially those aged 18–25, many of whom don’t identify as carers and often miss out on vital support.

According to the 2021 census, there are more than 34,000 unpaid carers in Bristol, including nearly 2,500 young adult carers. Many in this group face challenges such as exhaustion, isolation, poorer mental and physical health, and difficulty staying in education or employment.

Lucy Giles, Interim Chief Executive of Carers Support, said:

“Many young adult carers don’t realise that the help they give at home – whether that’s supporting someone with mental health needs, a disability, or a long-term condition – makes them a carer.

This campaign is about reaching those young people who are quietly doing so much and letting them know: you deserve support too. We want them to feel seen, understood, and empowered to get the help they need – whether that’s advice, time out, or someone to talk to.”

To help create safe, welcoming spaces for young adult carers, we’re also launching a new peer support group where young people can meet others with similar experiences and feel less alone.

The campaign signposts to support in areas including:

• Education and employment
• Health and wellbeing
• Financial and legal advice
• Peer support and mentoring opportunities

Explore the resources and learn more