Insight: Listening to Kinship carers and young people

Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees met with the Bridges Kinship Group to hear their thoughts on the new WorkWell service service, which aims to help people with health conditions stay in work or return to work. They also heard from young people affected by Fetal Neonatal Syndrome (FNS), a condition caused by alcohol exposure in the womb that can lead to lifelong learning and behavioural challenges.

• Many carers shared how their working lives were disrupted when they became full-time caregivers.
• Young people with FNS described how their condition affects their ability to learn, communicate, and feel confident in work settings.
• The group shared thoughtful ideas about what would make services like WorkWell more accessible and effective.