Mgzn

The author reflects on her work at a child and youth care worker program in Algonquin, Ontario. She relates the stories of families that arrive at the shelter, as well as the sacrifices of young carers in these families. According to the author, her work at the shelter provided an opportunity to observe family functioning. She emphasizes that the goal of providing support and service to the family is to ease the responsibility or burden of the young caregiver.

Awareness about the role of carers in society and their contribution to the UK economy has been catapulted to the top of the political agenda in recent months following the launch of the first ever Carers' Strategy. Writing at the time of the document's publication, Imelda Redmond looks in more detail at the make up of this six‐million strong group and explains what her organisation is doing to further promote its rights.

The article reports on the fundraising effort of Anne Holmes, an elder of Righead United Reformed Church in East Kilbride, Scotland, for the charity South Lanarkshire Young Carers Forum.

The author discusses the SCIE practice guide 'Implementing the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004'.  The online practice guide translates what is known from research and policy into recommendations and practice examples. It is designed to be used alongside existing Department of Health guidance.

Reports on the increase in the number of young people who care for other individuals with disability, illness, or health problem in Great Britain, according to a study commissioned by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Number of people who carried out a caring role based on a 2001 census; Concerns on the caregivers.

'Family care gap' requires rethink of how social care for older people is delivered, says Institute for Public Policy Research. [Journal abstract]

This article focuses on a 2007 survey by "Community Care" which found that almost half of young carers will spend a number of hours caring for another member of their family on Christmas Day. Forty-six per cent of young carers have not talked to a social worker in the last year about the support they need, according to the survey of 109 young carers aged eight-16 in Great Britain. The survey also revealed reluctance among young carers to want more professional support.

Reviews policy trends for informal carers which have been implemented in various countries between 1996 - 1998. The article focuses on respite care and direct payments for carers of older ill and disabled adults.

Joanne Schofield and Jack Buckley Mellor explain the value of having a carer available to offer support to other carers with relatives on a continuing care ward

Alex Fox highlights the hidden struggles of young carers and the signs health practitioners can look out for to identify those who need support.