Supporting the Mental Health of Young Carers, with Coleg Sir Gâr

Supporting the Mental Health of Young Carers, with Coleg Sir Gâr

Being a student brings a host of challenges—financial pressures, moving away from home, managing relationships, and the demands of studying and exams. However, for young carers, these challenges are amplified by the added responsibility of caring for a loved one. Unlike their peers, young carers often have to leave lectures early or spend their days worrying about the person they care for, adding an extra layer of stress to an already demanding life.

Research shows that young carers are more likely to achieve lower grades than their abilities would predict, simply due to the pressures of their caring role. In Wales, statistics confirm that this constant strain takes a toll on their mental health and well-being, with many young carers acknowledging that the burden negatively affects their emotional resilience and ability to focus on their studies.

This is where Carmarthenshire Crossroads Young Carers (CCYC) plays a vital role. The service works closely with schools and colleges to identify young carers early, ensuring they receive the tailored support they need to thrive both academically and personally. A key part of this is our collaboration with the wellbeing team at Coleg Sir Gâr. Together, we ensure that young carers are identified at the earliest opportunity, and we work to provide robust, ongoing support tailored to their individual needs.

CCYC’s dedicated key workers offer one-to-one support, providing a safe space for young carers to talk about their struggles and guiding them in accessing other essential services that can ease their load. Additionally, our group sessions give young carers the chance to connect with peers who share similar experiences, allowing them to discuss their caring roles and unwind from the daily pressures they face. We also organise activities and overnight stays, giving them the rare opportunity to step away from their responsibilities and simply enjoy being young.

As part of our commitment to supporting young carers, we were proud to participate in the Coleg Sir Gâr event on 10th October, celebrating World Mental Health Day. Alongside other organisations, we were there to show young people that we are present when they need us, offering the support they require to thrive both in their caring roles and in their personal lives.

The services provided by CCYC are crucial for young carers in Carmarthenshire. Together with the wellbeing team at Coleg Sir Gâr, we offer a lifeline to those balancing education with the heavy weight of caring, ensuring they are not only seen and supported but also given the opportunity to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond.

By offering this essential support, CCYC is helping to uplift a generation of young carers who deserve not only recognition for their dedication but also the chance to reach their full potential.

Young Carers Update: March 2024

Since Christmas the young carers project has been bustling with activity.

We’ve collaborated with the local authority young carers team and joined in with their youth clubs, providing valuable opportunities for respite in various areas across the county.

Young Carers Action Day on 14th March saw our team setting up outreach stands in three Coleg Sir Gar campuses, offering advice, support, and guidance to young people.

Over the past three months, we’ve organised numerous clubs and trips, including 5 young carer clubs, one lunch club, three young adult carer clubs, a day trip to Manor Wildlife Park and an outdoor activity residential to Llandysul Paddlers (great pics of our brave young carers!). These experiences have allowed young people to take a break from their caring roles, connect with peers who understand their experiences, and enjoy new adventures.

With Easter approaching, we’re excited about our action-packed programme of nine activities over ten days, which everyone is eagerly anticipating.


Llanelli Office

The Palms Unit 3
96 Queen Victoria Road
Llanelli
SA15 2TH
0300 0200 002

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Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 6199277