Young Carers
If you are a young carer who lives in Manchester, or a practitioner who working with a young carer, then you’re in the right place!
A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps to look after a person with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. Many young carers support a parent or care for a brother or sister, though some care for someone outside the family home. Caring can involve practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, helping someone get dressed, move around, or take medication. It can also mean keeping someone company, keeping an eye on them, or offering emotional support.
For most young carers, emotional support is always part of the role — and we recognise how important that is.
How young carers are supported in Manchester
In Manchester, we do things a little differently. We do not commission a single, standalone young carers service. Instead, we work through a Young Carers Partnership — a collaborative approach that brings together:
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Schools and education settings
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Youth and play providers
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Health services, including GPs
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Community and voluntary organisations
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Sports, leisure and safe spaces across the city
This means young carers are supported where they already are, by people they already know and trust.
Why a partnership approach?
Manchester young carers told us they want more people they can talk to,
Support that feels normal, not separate or stigmatising
Help that fits around school, friendships and everyday life
By working as a partnership, we make sure that:
Support is visible across the city, not hidden in one place
There is no long wait to access help
Professionals across Manchester develop shared expertise about young carers
Young carers can talk to different trusted adults, not just one service
This creates a community of support, rather than a single doorway.
What this means for young carers, young carers in Manchester can:
Access youth clubs, play spaces and activities that actively include and understand them
Get support in school to help with attendance, learning and opportunities
Speak to a range of professionals — from youth workers and school staff to health services — who understand young carers’ experiences
Have the same chances to thrive, develop and enjoy life as their peers
Our city-funded youth and play providers are supported to make sure young carers are welcomed, included and listened to in their spaces.
This approach is shaped by what young carers have told us matters most:
Being seen
Being understood
Having someone to talk to
Feeling included, not singled out
Giving them time to make their own friends, but also opportunities to spend time with other young carers.
Manchester is committed to making sure all young carers know their rights, feel supported, and have places to go and people to turn to.
If You’re a Young Carer
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Check if your school has a Young Carers Lead or Champion—they can help you access support.
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You can also contact Manchester City Council’s Contact Centre for advice or to request an assessment:
0161 234 5001
If You’re a Practitioner
Please follow the Young Carers Pathway to make sure young carers get the right support at the right time.
View the Young Carers Pathway
Watch Our Videos (All are hyperlinked)
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Support Not Sympathy – Our Award winning Music Video
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Arlo’s New Friends – Our Young Carers Animation.