GYC has been working with the London School of Economics (LSE) for the last two years on a research study looking into what support young carers need and the barriers they might have in accessing it.   

Gloucestershire Young Carers is one of four young carers organisations in four localities across the UK who have been working with the LSE to run focus groups, recruit people to take part in the research, and support young carers who have acted as advisors to the research project over the last two years. 

The findings of the research were revealed at a multi-stakeholder event held at Blackfriars, Gloucester on 30^th March. This event included young and young adult carers, parents who had been involved in research, GYC staff, trustees and representatives from health, education, social care and carer organisations.  

We heard from LSE researcher Nicola Brimblecombe on the findings which were then brought to life by young carers from our forums who presented on the research findings that meant most to them and why this was.  

Young Carer Samuel, 10, talked about the ‘importance of social connection’ for young carers and what he had gained from meeting other young carers like himself since being identified a year ago.  

Yusraa, 19 selected the finding ‘someone available they trust to talk to’ and explained the importance of  young carers being able to talk through the emotions and worries they have with a trusted adult that has time to listen. 

Evie, 13, relayed how crucial having ‘fun activities and respite’ is for young carers.  She said ‘fun is important as we benefit happiness from it – if we experience happiness, it lifts our mood and spirits. This is especially true for young carers who don’t have much free time and chances just be children like those around us’. 

It was very powerful to hear directly from young carers about their lives and the things that had helped them.  Everyone at the event then looked together at the findings of this research and how we can best use them to help inspire and shape the future of young carers support in the county.    

For more information about the research study please contact Nicola Brimblecombe, Lead Investigator, n.s.brimblecombe@lse.ac.uk