Spotlight on Young Carers

We've recently spent time listening to the experiences of young carers in Medway. This report shares the feedback that they told us.
Front over of the carers report showing a woman kneeling along side the person she is caring for, showing support with a hand on their knee

Summary

Whilst listening to people about their experience of being a Carer, we also talked to them about the draft Carers Strategy which is being developed by Medway Council and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group.

Four findings from our research

  1. All of the Carers we spoke to had experienced bullying at school.  One child told us this had continued for 5 years until he felt “suicidal”.
  2. Carers told us that they are so busy focussing on someone else they lose their own identity.  Carers asked for help to ‘find who they are’.
  3. They talked about being “in limbo” as they transitioned between child and adult services.

  4. Their support worker reported an increase in young carers who were suffering from depression and self-harm.

Downloads

You can read the full report here. 

Healthwatch Medway Spotlight on Young Carers

Share your thoughts

You can help make health and care services better by sharing your experiences and ideas.

Talk to us