Young carers survey 2023
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Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire wanted to undertake a wider piece of work on young carers after they were selected to take part in Healthwatch England’s work on unmet need in social care. They undertook a survey to hear from young carers or people who knew young carers to find out about the support they’ve received. They received 83 responses.
Many young carers and their family members have gratitude and appreciation, and clearly benefit from, events, activities, school support and grants from the council, which have a huge impact on young carers; their wellbeing, and the quality of life they are able to lead. Young carers very much enjoyed spending their grant on school trips, for example, to give them respite and a chance to relax and unwind.
However, there does appear to be an inequity and gap in service provision, mainly in the support provided and awareness of an assessment, particularly when compared to other areas, and many feel that more support could be utilised from organisations such as Carers In Bedfordshire.
Key themes that emerged from both the survey, and interviewing young carers, included improved services for ‘older’, young carers. Many said that the activities, including group sessions, tend to be aimed at younger carers and are not suitable for older carers. They would also like to see a more accessible and available booking system for events, as well as an increase in the events offered. Of concern is the number of young carers who have not accessed a Needs Assessment, or know this is an option for them, and the lack of emotional wellbeing support provided for young carers.
Schools play a vital role in supporting young carers and in recent years have clearly accelerated the support they provide, however there appears to be a disparity between each of the schools in Central Bedfordshire, relating to the type of support and frequency of support groups, which may only benefit some carers but not all. This would suggest that a more consistent approach to the offer from schools is needed.