Young Carers Appeal 2026

Can you help to give local young carers a break this summer?

To mark Carers Week 2026, we are launching an appeal to help ensure that local young carers get to be a child and take a break this summer.

Every day this summer, thousands of children like Olivia, from all over our county will be missing their childhoods to take care of parents or siblings. We know that in East Sussex, children as young as five provide emotional care to family members, and many children also undertake physical care.  

Olivia is nine. She lives with her nan and brother near Hailsham.

Olivia is one of 8,000 young carers in East Sussex. For children like Olivia, summer doesn’t mean a carefree holiday. It means continuing to care for loved ones, every day, while their friends enjoy the break.

Care for the Carers depends on donations to be able to offer Young Carers holiday clubs and days out across East Sussex. Our weekly sessions offer young carers a space to relax, play, and build friendships with others who understand their experiences. Being able to come to activities allows Olivia time with friends her age, to play and to be a kid, before she goes back to being a carer at home for her little brother. Olivia attended activities in three holidays. When we met her we were struck how mature she was for her age. It’s great to see her being a nine-year-old again.  

But we need your help to keep Young Carers holiday activities and clubs running. Can you help us to make a difference to young carers like Olivia?

Please take the time to read Olivia’s story on the appeal page

You can donate to the appeal here