Young Adult Carers Engagement
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Healthwatch Southampton undertook research on the identification and support of young adult carers, with a particular focus on the transition between young carer and adult carer services. The project included stakeholder engagement and direct involvement from young people aged 13-30 with caring responsibilities. Thirteen young carers and young adult carers participated through focus groups, surveys and one-to-one interviews to share their experiences and views on existing support.
The research found that many young adult carers were not being identified by health, social care or education services, despite often caring for family members from a young age. All participants aged 18 and over reported caring for more than five years, yet none recalled being offered a young carer, transition or adult carer assessment. Participants described caring as rewarding but also stressful, isolating and anxiety-inducing, with many unaware of the support available to unpaid carers in Southampton.
A particular concern was the experience of carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Of the six participants from these communities, only one had been identified as a young carer and none of the young adult carers had been identified. Participants highlighted cultural expectations to care for family members, low awareness of support services, difficulties navigating systems, and a lack of cultural understanding among professionals as barriers to seeking and receiving help.
Participants called for better awareness of carers' rights, improved identification by professionals, access to emotional and practical support, stronger peer networks, and dedicated transition support to help young carers achieve their education, employment and life goals. Many young carers were worried about the impact of caring on their future, with six of the seven participants aged 13-17 believing their caring role would affect their aspirations, particularly in relation to education, finances, housing and mental health.