Spotlight series: Carers strategy
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Healthwatch Medway conducted a focus group in April 2019 with 8 young carers (aged 7-20 years) who gave feedback on their experience of being a carer and their thoughts on the Carers Strategy in Medway.
The young carers reported that they experience issues around anxiety and mental strain when caring for their loved one. They told Healthwatch Medway that they are not listened to or supported by health professionals. Carers asked if they could have extra support from education services particularly during exam periods and when trying to apply for jobs. They also highlighted that they didn’t feel they were fully aware of the condition of the person they were caring for.
Healthwatch Medway recommended that a young person should be included in the development of the Carers Strategy to make sure their voice is heard. The Carers Strategy needs to clearly state the actions it will take to address issues and be in accessible formats for people with differing communication needs.