Young Adult Carers in the UK
- Författare
- Becker, F., & Becker, S.
- Titel
- Young Adult Carers in the UK
- Utgivningsår
- 2008
- Stad
- London
- Utgivare
- Princess Royal Trust for Carers
- Sammanfattning
This study, funded by The True Colours Trust in association with The Princess Royal Trust for
Carers, investigates the experiences, needs and service responses to the 290,000 young
adult carers aged 16-24 in the UK today. The research is a 'mixed-methods' investigation
and includes a literature review, secondary analysis of 2001 Census data, a survey of 25 young
carers projects, a survey of 13 adult carers services, five focus groups with 29 young carers aged
16 and 17, discussions with staff at focus group sites, and in-depth interviews with 25 young
adult carers aged 18-24 across Britain.
The data presented in this report provides new insights into the diverse experiences and
needs of what is a 'hidden' and neglected group of carers. The report provides data on the
number of young adult carers; the changing nature of their caring tasks and responsibilities;
their experiences of education at school, college and university; their friendships, relationships,
leisure and lifestyles; income, jobs, careers and aspirations; issues to do with leaving home
and independence; the role of young carers projects; emerging service responses; and how
their needs can best be met. The report also includes a series of recommendations for service
development for those working with carers aged 16-17, carers aged 18-24 and adult carers.
Throughout, the experiences and needs of 16-17 year old and 18-24 year old carers are
discussed separately. While there are many similarities in their experiences there are important
differences in their needs that correspond to the particular developmental stage in their lives
and their 'career' as carers. One group (carers aged 16-17) are still legally 'children' whilst the
other group (carers aged 18-24) have the legal status of 'adults'. These categories have major
implications for services in the UK and for who is responsible for meeting the needs of
children who are carers and adults who are carers.