We are doing a range of work to help us, and others, understand the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) carers of all ages.
As well as our own survey which is available here (and you can click here to find out more) we are also working with Dr Kate Blake-Holmes to understand the impact on young carers and their families.
By taking part you can also choose to be entered in our prize draw:
- 2 x £20 giftcards for young carers
- 1 x £10 giftcard for parents of young carers
- £50 for young carers groups/organisations linked to young people/parents/professionals taking part in the research
Please read below to find out more about this as well as completing our survey:
Understanding how the needs of young carers are being managed in the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Researcher: Dr Kate Blake-Holmes, Centre for Research on Children and Families (University of East Anglia) in partnership with Caring Together and Norfolk Young Carers Forum.
The COVID – 19 (Corona) virus will undoubtedly have far reaching implications for young carers.
While it would seem that children and young people are less likely to experience significant physiological effects from the virus itself, the indirect impact of attempts to counter the spread of the virus are highly likely to have a major impact on their psychological well-being.
Alongside this, the health, social care and education systems that are currently in place to support and safeguard young carers and their families are struggling under increased pressure and potentially drawing their focus away from the often hidden and marginalised needs of young carers.
The needs of young carers are often marginalised, their voices unheard, as such it is vital that we are able to collectively raise awareness of their current needs and concerns.
This research seeks to explore:
- What are the current needs, experiences and concerns of young carers?
- How are services identifying and responding to the needs of young carers?
- What are the key problems/barriers/challenges to young carers feeling supported and what is working well?
- What guidance, practice developments are already in place?
Ways this project could benefit young carers during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Increased recognition of young people providing care – promote an awareness across services to be mindful of the impact that changes in service provision will have on young carers.
- Capture the views of young carers about their current experiences in order to inform the provision of effective support and identify urgent support needs.
- Recommend that any child living with a parent with long term physical health condition, disability or mental ill health is considered as a young carer throughout this pandemic.
If you are a young carer (aged 14 or above), being cared for by a young carer or a professional working with people giving or receiving support, I would very much like to hear from you.
If you would like more information about how to be part of this research, please contact
Kate Blake-Holmes –School of Social Work: UEA – [email protected]
Andy McGowan – Head of Carer Services: Caring Together – [email protected]
