Released: 27 March 2026
West Sussex County Council is to strengthen its commitment to young people who care for family members or friends by signing a national pledge to champion their rights and future opportunities.
By adopting the Young Carers Covenant, the council will join a UK wide movement dedicated to ensuring young carers receive the recognition, support, and access to education, employment, and training they need to thrive.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Signing the Young Carers Covenant will demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the young people who take on caring responsibilities every day.”
Approximately 2,600 young carers have either been assessed by the county council’s Young Carers team or have accessed their services.
However, it is estimated that there could be more than 6,000 children in West Sussex who regularly provide caring duties for family members and friends with challenging long-term disabilities, illnesses or addiction.
Cllr Russell continued: “We know there are thousands of children and young people in West Sussex who provide remarkable support to family members, often without recognition. By adopting this national pledge, we are strengthening our promise to identify and support them, and to ensure they have access to the education, opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive.
“Young carers deserve every chance to fulfil their potential. This covenant helps us move closer to making that a reality.”
The covenant has been created by Carers Trust and the Young Carers Alliance. It outlines 10 essential outcomes that young carers across the country have identified as critical to improving their lives.
These include ensuring young carers are safe and secure, have good physical and mental health and can access support for themselves and their family.
For more information about the Young Carers Covenant visit the Carers Trust website.
