Life opportunities for young adult carers
Young carer challenges revealed, but new inquiry launched
We already know that young adult carers (aged 16-25) face a range of additional challenges because of their caring role.
But two new reports show the difficulties they face in two key areas, education and housing.
A new report called ‘We Still Care’ by Nicola Aylward at Learning and Work Institute warns that young adult carers face potential homelessness unless their housing needs are urgently met in policy.
And another report released last month by UCL says that young carers are less likely to graduate from university than peers. Looking at data over 10 years, researchers found young adult carers are on average 38% less likely to obtain a university degree; and those caring for 35 hours a week were 86% less likely.
New inquiry launched
But in more positive news, in Carers Week, young carers, peers, MPs and carer organisations, including the national Young Carers Alliance, met to launch the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) inquiry into life opportunities for young carers.
APPG into young carers life opportunities
The inquiry will focus on how young and young adult carers are affected by caring – both short term impacts, such as education and time away from caring, and longer term, how does caring affect access to education, employment and housing.
Importantly there is a call for evidence – looking to hear from young carers – and the inquiry will launch a report with findings and recommendations in November.
Make your voice heard
To share your experiences as a young, or young adult carer, please complete this survey.
It could make a huge difference to the lives of all young carers.
Alternatively, you can download this form and return it to [email protected]. The deadline for responses is Sunday 23rd July at 23:59. You can answer as many or as few of the questions as are relevant for you.