SYC's Action Group

We know that young people we support and their families are the experts. They know what will make their own lives easier, so we make sure everything we do is based on what they tell us.

We make sure their views are heard, to help influence and improve both Sheffield Young Carers and other services they access.

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Want to shape the future of SYC? Join our Action Group

Are you a young carer who uses our services? Do you want to have a real say in how SYC is run? Then our Action Group is for you.

This is your chance to gain new skills, boost your confidence, and make your voice heard. As a member, you'll get access to training, group sessions, and opportunities to earn accreditations for your work.

You'll join for two years, and in your second year, you can step up as a leader and mentor to support new members.

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What will you actually do?

This is where you make a real impact. You could:

  • Help interview and choose new staff.
  • Co-host training sessions and big events.
  • Meet with MPs, councillors, and even the Prime Minister (we have!).
  • Help create resources used across the country.
  • Work directly with our Board of Trustees to guide their decisions.
  • Help plan SYC's future in our annual strategy meetings.

Plus, if you're 18 or over, you could even become a Young Trustee on our main Board.

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Ready to make a difference?

This is your invitation to step up, gain incredible experience, and help us make SYC the best it can be for young carers like you.

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Check out what our current group has achieved:

The Journey

welcome Chat

We start with a home visit or phone call to meet you and your family.

One-to-One Sessions

‍You'll receive 4-6, one-to-one sessions with a dedicated worker who can support you with your individual needs and interests.

Join a Group

We have weekly groups, catering for different ages (8-12, 12-16, 16-25). Have fun, learn new skills, and meet new people.

Amazing Activities

Get access to school holiday trips, a summer residential, and fun family events.

Ongoing Support

After your core year, you can stay involved through reunions and other opportunities.

Other ways we listen

Alongside our Action Group, we try to give all of the young people we support a say in how things run, both within SYC and in other services too. We do this through:

  • individual and group evaluations
  • regular informal chats and conversations
  • involvement in local, regional and national consultations on issues that affect their lives
  • opportunities to meet MPs, funders (people who give money to SYC) and other people who can make changes for young carers and for young people affected by substance misuse in their family
  • invitations to events, to have a say in other services for young people and families

In 2022, we signed up to the Power of Youth Charter, to show our dedication and commitment to giving young people a voice and involving them in decision making across the organisation. You can read our commitments here.

We also use all of the information we get directly from young people to inform our work with professionals, our strategic and policy work and our research.

Other ways we listen

Alongside our Action Group, we try to give all of the young people we support a say in how things run, both within SYC and in other services too. We do this through:

  • individual and group evaluations
  • regular informal chats and conversations
  • involvement in local, regional and national consultations on issues that affect their lives
  • opportunities to meet MPs, funders (people who give money to SYC) and other people who can make changes for young carers and for young people affected by substance misuse in their family
  • invitations to events, to have a say in other services for young people and families

In 2022, we signed up to the Power of Youth Charter, to show our dedication and commitment to giving young people a voice and involving them in decision making across the organisation. You can read our commitments here.

We also use all of the information we get directly from young people to inform our work with professionals, our strategic and policy work and our research.