Young Carers on The One Show. How MYTIME Helps Schools Change Young Carers' Future.

On Tuesday 9th September, MYTIME Young Carers took centre stage on one of the UK’s most-watched programmes, The One Show.

The film gave millions of viewers a glimpse into the hidden challenges young carers face at school every day. It also showed the powerful change that happens when schools step up, recognise these young people and give them the support they need.

If you missed it, here’s what the film covered, why it matters, and how it’s already inspiring change.

Powerful Voices at the Heart of the Film

This project began when Southampton-based production company Harbourside Films discovered our 2024 research report Unseen Sacrifices: Understanding the Educational Disadvantages Faced by Young Carers. Moved by the findings, they reached out with an idea to create a short film that would bring young carers’ stories into the national spotlight.

Fronting the film is Alexander Dragonetti, best known as a contestant on The Traitors (2025). A former British diplomat, Alexander is a passionate advocate for education, disability and health causes, and he once cared for his brother. His personal experience and commitment made him the perfect voice to champion young carers.

 

 

Alongside Alexander, young carer Emberly and her mum Jennifer shared their story. Emberly has been part of the MYTIME community for many years, taking part in our programmes and growing through the support she’s received. Because she has experienced first-hand the difference that support with MYTIME makes, she now raises funds and speaks out for young carers like her.

Her courage on screen was remarkable. By telling her story, she showed not only the struggles many young carers face but also the hope and positive change that is possible.

How One School Is Transforming Support for Young Carers

One of the most inspiring parts of the film featured Bishop Aldhelm’s CE Primary School in Poole, a school that has worked closely with MYTIME over the past year through our Level Up programme. Through our guidance and practical tools, the school has learned how to identify young carers, raise awareness among staff and pupils, and create a culture where young carers feel seen and supported. Their journey shows what is possible when a school commits to change and has the right support in place.

 

 

As Krista Cartlidge, CEO of MYTIME Young Carers, explained:

“We were thrilled to be featured on The One Show alongside Bishop Aldhelm’s CE Primary School, who have worked extremely closely with MYTIME to transform their provision for young carers. This film shines a light on the vital work their school is doing to identify and support young carers, and it highlights the tangible difference this type of support can make to young carers and their families. Young carers across the UK deserve the same opportunity to be seen, heard and supported by their schools, and MYTIME is delighted to be able to provide the training and support schools need to do this.”

 

During the programme, viewers saw Headteacher Scott Tait leading an assembly on young carers. Children were given the space to reflect and recognise that some of their peers may carry responsibilities far beyond their years. Staff and pupils also spoke about working with MYTIME and the ripple effect this awareness has created across the whole school.

At the centre of this transformation is our Level Up training. By equipping teachers and students with practical tools to spot when a child might be struggling, schools like Bishop Aldhelm’s are proving that positive change is not only possible, it is powerful.

Why This Moment Matters

For too long, young carers have been an invisible group in education. They often sacrifice their own opportunities to care for loved ones, and without support, they risk falling behind in school and in life.

This national broadcast has opened the conversation to millions of people. It showed that when young carers are supported at home, in school and in their communities, they can thrive.

At MYTIME, we’ll continue working with schools, families and communities to make sure no young carer is left unseen.

Because every young carer deserves the chance to be recognised, supported and given the same opportunities as their peers.

👉 Watch the episode here: The One Show, 9 September 2025
👉 Find out more about Level Up and how we help schools support young carers: Learn about Level Up
👉 Or get in touch with our Level Up Manager directly at: danj@mytimeyoungcarers.org

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