The project, led by Assistant Professor Breda Moloney at UL’s School of Nursing and Midwifery in collaboration with Family Carers Ireland (FCI), coincides with Young Carers Action Day, which is focusing on the importance of rest and respite.

Prof. Moloney was inspired by the struggles of students managing coursework alongside caring responsibilities, noticing some “falling asleep in class, being late for labs or lectures”, or reaching a crisis point where they considered dropping out. This initiative aims to prevent this by offering financial aid, counselling, and academic flexibility.

Conor Curran, a second year UL student, helps care for his younger brother Daniel, who has 22q11 deletion syndrome, helping with meals, medicine and other tasks to give his mother a break from her role as a full-time carer. While he is committed to his studies, he admits he often worries about home. “It’s just been my everyday life, and I don’t know any different”, he said, acknowledging that many young carers are unable to attend college.

With over 67,000 young carers in Ireland and more than 15,000 in higher education, FCI hopes the UL project will raise awareness of “hidden carers” who may not realise they qualify for support. Elayne O’Hara, Young Carers Support Manager, stressed that many face barriers to education, particularly full time carers restricted to 18.5 hours of study per week.

She praised young carers for their empathy and resilience, urging the government to improve access to higher education. “It’s nice to have someone in your corner”, Conor concluded. “Knowing that support and flexibility is available when it’s needed, is a definite help.”