App to help young carers get the support they deserve
A young carer is someone under 18, often supporting a parent, sibling or friend who needs extra help due to illness, disability, mental health challenges or substance misuse. Their responsibilities might include helping with personal care, household tasks, emotional support, or managing medication — often while trying to keep up with school and friendships.
Young carers play a vital role in our communities.
But being a young carer can be isolating, overwhelming and exhausting.
“It’s harder than anyone understands. I feel like I’m drowning.”
That’s why the Young Carers Support App was created.
Why this matters
In North Yorkshire, there are around 53,723 unpaid carers. While there’s no exact figure for young carers in that total, we know many children and young people are providing unpaid care. Nationally, it’s estimated that 1 in 5 young people take on caring responsibilities — many without formal recognition or support.
Young carers told us they often feel invisible and unheard. They said they want support that’s easy to access, clear, and doesn’t make them feel different or singled out. The app is a direct response to what they said.
What does the app offer?
The Young Carers Support App is a digital resource designed with and for young carers. It brings together trusted advice, wellbeing tools, and information on support available locally and nationally, including from voluntary and community organisations.
It includes:
- Information on your rights and the support you’re entitled to
- Advice on looking after your own health and wellbeing
- Guidance on balancing caring responsibilities with school, college and life
- A mood tracker and journal to support your emotional health
- Details of local services and groups that can support you
How to get the app
The app is free, anonymous, and easy to use. You can download it on Apple or Android devices:
Who created the app?
The app was developed by Expert Self Care, a trusted health information organisation led by GP and app developer Dr Knut Schroeder. It was produced with the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (the organisations who provide care and support people) which also covers Craven (including Skipton). The app was also put together with help from young carers, to make sure it reflects their real needs.
It also holds the PIF Tick – the UK’s only quality mark for reliable health information.
