OU Carers Research Group join coalition for young carers

More than five years on from the introduction of formal rights for young carers, and young adult carers, thousands of children and young people are still being negatively affected by the impact of their caring responsibilities.

The OU’s Carers Research Group, formed and led by WELS academics, have taken action by launching a new network called the Young Carers Alliance, alongside a growing coalition of organisations and individuals.

Members of the Alliance, who come from a wide range of sectors including health, education, social care, and the voluntary sector, will promote a strong, collective voice on behalf of, and bring about positive change for, young carers and young adult carers.

Dr Geraldine Boyle, co-deputy lead for the OU Carers Research Group, who heads up research with young and young adult carers, said:

“I have undertaken research into the wellbeing of young adult carers which showed that their caring roles may not always be recognised within their families or by professionals. Children and young people who provide significant support to ill or disabled family members or partners do need to understand that they are ‘carers’. 

"As these caring roles may be maintained over several years, it is important that young and young adult carers have access to the emotional and practical support they require from their families and services. Providing support to them in their caring roles will help to avoid a negative impact on their own health and wellbeing and enable them to plan for their futures”.

About the Alliance

The Young Carers Alliance (YCA) is a growing network of organisations and individuals, including The Open University's Carers Research Group, committed to improving the support available for young carers, young adult carers and their families. YCA brings together representatives from research, policy, and practice, all of whom are committed to bringing about improved outcomes for all young carers.The Alliance provides opportunities for collaboration, sharing best practice and a strong, collective voice for young carers.

Find out more about the Young Carers Alliance, including the list of member organisations, via the Caring Together website.

More information about the OU Carers Research Group projects can be found on their website.