Hidden Costs, Hidden Skills

A free, in-person, participatory event for young carers, young adults, employers and community partners.

Being able to afford an opportunity is not always the same as being able to access it. This event explores how caring responsibilities can create hidden costs for young carers, including time, travel, uncertainty, fatigue, reduced flexibility and missed opportunities. These costs are often not visible in standard measures of disadvantage such as household income or postcode.

The session will combine a short accessible introduction to research on cost of living and opportunity, interactive activities on the "hidden costs" and "hidden skills" of caring, and a facilitated Fair Futures discussion. Participants can contribute through small-group conversation, written or anonymous comments, activity cards and creative prompts. Refreshments, breaks and a quiet space will be provided. 

Together, we will ask: What does it really cost to take part in education, work experience, volunteering or social opportunities? Which skills do young carers develop through caring? How can employers, careers professionals and community organisations design opportunities that are genuinely accessible? 

Attendees can expect a welcoming, practical and reflective session. The aim is not to ask young carers to disclose personal stories, but to recognise lived experience as expertise and build shared understanding between young carers and the wider Surrey community. This event is held in partnership with Action for Carers Surrey, Widening Participation at Surrey, and young-carer peer contributors.

• Dr Nesrine Eltawy, Lecturer in Operations Management, Royal Holloway University of London
• Dr Noelia E. D. Noel, Director of Employability, University of Surrey.

• Young carers aged 16-25 who live, study, work or receive support in Surrey.
• Members of the Surrey community with an interest in education, employment and fair access to opportunities. This includes local employers, careers and employability professionals, further-education representatives, community and charity staff, parents/supporters and local decision-makers. 

• Young carers and young adult carers
• Families/supporters, youth workers, careers advisers, further-education and college staff, employers, HR/recruitment professionals, charities, community organisations, local authority colleagues
• Anyone interested in the cost of living, caring responsibilities, youth transitions and inclusive employment.

This event is free to attend, held in-person only. Register to attend using the 'book now' link on this page.

For specific questions about this event:

• Email: Nesrine.Eltawy@rhul.ac.uk OR n.noel@surrey.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 1784 911858 

16th October 2026