young carers advisory board
Centre 33 provides support for young carers and young adult carers up to the age of 25 who live in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
We know how important it is that young carers' and young adult carers' voices are heard, and we make sure this happens by working with our fantastic Young Carers Advisory Board.
ABOUT the board
We set up a Young Carers Advisory Board so Centre 33 could hear the voices of young carers. This group consists of a cross-section of young carers from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, represented by elected young carers, known as Young Carers Representatives. The Young Carers Representatives agree key messages and how to communicate these to strategic decision makers in their lives, including politicians and commissioners.
What has the project achieved so far?
• Created multiple awareness-raising videos which are shared with other young carers and professionals.
• Had influence on the Carers Strategy Refresh.
• Supported the design and development of the Young Carers App.
• Designed the pop-up used at GP surgeries for all young carers.
And much more!
HOW WE LISTEN TO YOUNG CARERS
advisory boards
We hold these meetings four times a year, giving young carers a platform to discuss challenges and ways to improve the support available to them. Their insights help shape policies, services and initiatives that make a real difference in their lives.
feedback and experiences
Every young carer has a story to tell. By sharing their experiences, they raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and highlight the support they need. Their voices inspire change and ensure that no young carer feels alone.
SHAPING THEIR OWN SUPPORT
Young carers are at the heart of everything we do. From creating new resources to improving services, their voices directly influence our support. We also work with local authorities, schools and other organisations to make sure young carers’ voices are heard and their needs are met.
young carers: who are they?
This video, created by our Young Carers Advisory Board, aims to help people understand more about young carers.
Young carers: who are they?
what we've achieved
making a difference
We're proud of the huge impact the board has. Here, we've picked just some of our highlights for each year since the board was created.
2025
In 2025, we:
• Developed the VALUE schools offer
• Improved LGBTQ+ inclusion in support
• Improved transitions support
• Created awareness raising art, videos and messages for professionals
• Shared our experiences of being young carers
2024
In 2024, we:
• Celebrated Young Carers Action Day with events, school training and a social media campaign
• Wrote letters to headteachers to raise awareness of young carers
• Ran a survey with over 100 young caers
• Delivered assemblies and presentations in schools
2023
In 2023, we:
• Chose needs such as young carers groups, time out options, homework support and practical resources as our priorities
• Highlighted the importance of breaks and fun activities for wellbeing
• Explored how GPs can improve support and training
2022
In 2022, we:
• Developed a mission and vision for the board
• Shared our voices with schools, commissioners and leadership
• Collected young carers' feedback on experiences with professionals and support services
• Contributed to the Carers Strategy refresh
2021
In 2021, we:
• Set up the Young Carers Advisory Board
• Chose education and school support as our top priority
• Shaped school approaches to supporting young carers
• Influenced Centre 33's primary and secondary school support
• Raised awareness of Covid-19's impact on young carers
• Shared lived experience with professionals
NEED HELP?
You can self-refer by contacting us or coming along to one of our drop-ins. We encourage you to contact us at a time and in a way that works for you.
FURTHER INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN
At Centre 33 we have been offering free and confidential information and support to young people for over 40 years. We support any young person up to the age of 25 with their mental health, caring responsibilities, housing, sexual health and more.
Young carers
If you’re under 18 and caring for someone, Centre 33 can support you. We offer advice, activities, and someone to talk to when you need it.
Young adult carers
Being a carer doesn’t stop when you turn 18. If you’re a young adult juggling caring responsibilities with work, study, or life changes, we’re here to help.
Mental health
We work with schools to offer in-school counselling for young people who need support. If you’re struggling with your mental health or personal challenges, ask your school if they work with Centre 33.
Refer a young carer
Make a referral for a young carer so they have the support they need to cope with their caring responsibilities.