The University of Nottingham

The UK’s first ever open day dedicated to young people who care for a family member has been held at The University of Nottingham.

This pioneering open day saw the University open its doors to more than 100 young carers from across the country, with support from Impact: The Nottingham Campaign.

Almost one million children and young people in the UK regularly provide care for a family member. They represent an invisible army attending to the needs of loved ones who may be ill, disabled or with mental health issues. Young carers often provide more than 20 hours of care a week. Some, including very young children, care for more than 50 hours per week.

As well as caring for loved ones at home, these young people face their own life challenges in terms of education, employment and developing relationships.

So in response and with your generous support, the University held Young Carers’ Day in June so that young carers might find out what the University has to offer them, with academic taster sessions, activities at Lakeside and the Sports Centre and drop-in advice sessions.

The funding for Young Carers’ Day was raised through a series of fundraising events around the campus. More than £500 was collected from visitors to May Fest 2013 by Nottingham’s Students’ Union fundraising organisation Karnival, while those enjoying the recent free Summer Symphony in the Park concert generously donated nearly £2,000 towards young carers.

Another first for fundraisers at the University was a dedicated Young Carers’ Week of fundraising which attracted many text gifts from members of staff.

For information about how to make a text donation please visit

 www.alumni.nottingham.ac.uk/netcommunity/youngcarers 

or to make a donation over the phone call +44 (0)115 823 2804

Watch a video message from Saul Becker, Professor of Social Policy and Social Work at the University and a leading expert on Young Carers. This explains more about the University’s work with young carers.

https://vimeo.com/65819194