THE number of young carers referred to Devon County Council in 2025 is the highest in the past five years, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.

So far this, 2,542 young carers are registered with Devon County Council, the FOI request shows.

The number has increased year on year since 2021, with there being 2,388 in 2024; 2,292 in 2023; 2,057 in 2022 and 1,716 in 2021.

A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem.

Devon County Council commissions Devon Young Carers to provide specialist support for young carers who are providing high levels of care, or care that is not age-appropriate.