Free Young Carers e-learning module now live

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has launched a new free, accessible e-learning module to help professionals across Hertfordshire better understand and support young carers. 

👧 Who Are Young Carers? 

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps care for someone with a physical illness, mental health condition, disability, or substance misuse issue. 

❗ Why This Matters 

The Carers Trust estimates that 1 in 5 school-aged children could be young carers. Yet in Hertfordshire: 

·                The January 2025 School Census: 

o        Found that 60% of schools reported no known young carers 

o        Identified only 1,483 young carers out of approx. 200,000 pupils 

·                The 2021 Census recorded just 2,525 young carers aged 5–17 

These figures show many young carers remain hidden and unsupported. 

💡 About the Module 

This 30-minute course helps staff: 

·                Recognise signs a child may be a young carer 

·                Understand the impact of caring on their wellbeing 

·                Know how to signpost to support in Hertfordshire 

👥 Who Should Complete It? 

This module is for anyone working with children, families, or vulnerable adults—whether in adult care, libraries, youth services, health or education. Young carers are everyone’s business. 

🔗 How to Access 

·                HCC colleagues: Complete iLearn module at Course: Young Carers - Everyone's Business! eLearning Module

·                External partners: Can access this via the Hertfordshire Children’s Safeguarding Partnership website, free of charge, by registering at eLearning : Young-Carers-e-Learning-Module