Unlocking potential
Changing lives

We support Young Carers through long-term mentoring, group programmes, and our annual Aspirations Conference – helping them succeed in education, grow in confidence, and unlock opportunities for their future.

How we support

Young Carers

Many Young Carers miss significant time from school, often sacrificing their own opportunities to care for loved ones. At YCDT, our mission is to inspire and empower Young Carers to fulfil their ambitions. Through our tailored programmes, we help them make up for missed education, build confidence, and create brighter futures.

Long-Term Mentoring

Up to five years of one-to-one support from a dedicated mentor, helping Young Carers set goals, access education, and achieve their ambitions.

Learn more

Group Mentoring

Small group sessions that combine peer support, guidance from mentors, and workshops to build confidence and broaden horizons.

Learn more Referral Form

Aspirations Conference

An inspiring annual event bringing together Young Carers, universities, and employers to explore educational and career opportunities, wellbeing and aspirations.

Learn more

YCDT improves the future life chances of Young Carers by:

Building on their strengths and resilience
Nurturing through long-term mentoring and personalised 1-1 support
Enabling success in education and employment
Encouraging Young Carers to become active, inspiring role models for others
Raising awareness of the issues faced by Young and Young Adult Carers

Did you know?

Young Carers are 3x as likely to be ‘not in Education Employment or Training’ (NEET)

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Long-Term

Mentoring

Our flagship programme offers up to five years of personalised, one-to-one mentoring for Young Carers. Each young person is matched with a volunteer Development Mentor who provides consistent guidance, encouragement and practical support throughout their journey into adulthood. This unique, long-term approach means young carers always have someone in their corner—someone to listen, to champion their ambitions, and to help them take practical steps toward achieving them.

Tailored, long-term support – guidance that grows with the young person, adapting to their changing needs over several years.

Regular mentor meetings and check-ins – creating a reliable space to talk, share challenges, and celebrate successes.

Practical help with applications – support in navigating college, university, apprenticeship, or job applications, ensuring young carers are not left behind.

Encouragement to achieve personal goals – whether that’s gaining qualifications, exploring new opportunities, or simply building self-confidence.

This programme not only helps Young Carers succeed in education but also enables them to develop life skills, independence, and resilience. They go on to higher education, apprenticeships, or fulfilling careers—outcomes that might have felt impossible without sustained support.

100%

All Young Carers supported by YCDT’s Long Term Programme are engaged in Education, Employment, or Training.

Young Carers are referred to our Long-Term Mentoring Programme through their local young carer support service, rather than applying directly

Download our Impact Report

Group

Mentoring

Our group programme combines peer support with mentor guidance, giving Young Carers a safe and welcoming space to connect with others who truly understand their experiences. In small group sessions, young carers can share their stories, learn new skills, and build supportive friendships that reduce feelings of isolation. The programme is designed to encourage confidence, resilience, and aspiration while providing practical tools for education and future planning.

Safe space to connect with peers – creating a sense of belonging and understanding among young carers who often feel alone in their role.

Confidence-building activities and workshops – practical sessions that help young people discover strengths, grow self-esteem, and develop key life skills.

Guest speakers and career insights – opportunities to hear from inspiring role models, explore different pathways, and raise aspirations.

Continued access to one-to-one support – ensuring that young carers can receive personalised mentoring alongside the benefits of group participation.

This blended approach of group learning and individual support not only builds confidence but also broadens horizons. Young Carers leave with stronger friendships, greater resilience, and a clearer sense of the opportunities available to them in education, training, and beyond.

“The mentors are lovely and supportive.”

“Money management and transferable skills were very helpful“

“I most enjoyed being able to talk with each other and get to know everyone”

“It helped me discover more of my strengths”

Group Mentoring Referral Form

The Aspirations Conference is more than just a day – it’s a catalyst for change. Young Carers leave feeling motivated, informed, and empowered, with the confidence to take their next steps in education, training, or employment. By celebrating their achievements and showing them what’s possible, the conference helps transform ambition into action.

“I believe in myself more and feel unstoppable”

“It made me feel a lot less alone as a young carer”

“I now understand what I can access as a carer”

Aspirations

Conference

Every year, we host the YCDT Aspirations Conference, bringing together young carers for an inspiring day of workshops, networking, and discovery. The conference creates a unique opportunity for Young Carers to step away from their caring role and immerse themselves in a positive, forward-looking environment. With the support of local universities, employers, and partner organisations, the event opens doors to education and career pathways that many young carers may not have considered before, helping them to imagine new possibilities and plan for their futures.

Practical workshops on education, employment, and wellbeing – giving Young Carers tangible tools, knowledge, and strategies they can use right away.

Opportunities to meet university staff, employers, and apprentices – providing direct access to people who can answer questions, share experiences, and inspire new ambitions.

A chance to celebrate achievements and raise aspirations – recognising the strengths of Young Carers and showing them that their goals are within reach.

Sessions for parents, carers, and professionals – ensuring the whole support network around Young Carers benefits from the event.

Safeguarding is at the heart

of everything we do

At YCDT, the safety and wellbeing of Young Carers is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a supportive, respectful, and secure environment for every young person we work with.

All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training, and we follow rigorous procedures to protect those in our care. Our safeguarding policies are regularly reviewed to reflect best practice and ensure full compliance with national standards.

We encourage anyone: Young Carers, mentors, parents, or professionals to speak to us if they have any concerns, however small. Your voice will be heard and taken seriously.

Full Safeguarding Policy

Got a question?

Here are some of the questions we’re often asked. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch.

How do you apply for mentoring with YCDT?

For our Long-term Mentoring Programme, we currently only accept referrals from our partner Carers Support Services within South West regions we work in; these are North Somerset, Bristol & South Gloucestershire, Bath & NE Somerset, Wiltshire, Newport and Chepstow. If you are a Young Carer in Year 10 or Year 11 and live within one of these areas, you can contact your local Carers Support Service to find out more about applying to our programme with them. You can also get in touch with us directly if you have any questions.

If you are interested in our Group Mentoring Programme – click on the Referral Form above for further information about our entry criteria and how to apply.

Who can attend the Aspirations Conference?

Our Aspirations Conference is open to all Young Carers who are beginning to explore their post GCSE options and takes place every year during the Easter Break. To register for a place, simply email us your interest and we will keep you updated with the details.