The power of peer support: why young carers need each other

Young carers can sometimes feel like they are living two lives. There’s the school version – going to class, chatting to friends and taking part in sports. Then there is the home version, which could include helping a parent or sibling or relative who needs help and support.

Your life can feel very different to others around you at school.

That’s why spending time with other people in the same situation can really help. 

At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, we’ve seen first-hand the power of friendship, laughter, and shared experiences among young carers.

“They just get it.”

When you talk to any of our young carers who attend our groups, there’s one thing they all say: It’s so nice to be around people who get it.

In these sessions, no one has to explain what it’s like to worry about someone at home or to juggle school with caring, or to sometimes feel left out when friends don’t understand why you can’t spend time with them.

Whether we are playing games, making hot drinks, chatting as a group – these moments in the week can make you feel part of a community.

Young carers often say that meeting others like them helps them feel less isolated, more confident, better understood and even proud of the skills and resilience they have gained.

At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, we run regular groups and activities for young carers of all ages. These sessions are designed to be supportive, fun, and flexible.

We also have a Young Carers Forum for our young people aged 11 to 18 who meet and make decisions about the future of the services we provide. 

We work closely with schools to make sure young carers are recognised, supported, and encouraged to take part in activities that help them grow in confidence.

If you’re a young carer (or know someone who might be), we’d love to help you get involved.

If you are a young carer or a family member in need of support, please contact us on 0191 249 6480 or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk.