Young Carers in Healthcare project shortlisted for prestigious award

Research shows that young carers often go unnoticed for an average of three years before they are properly identified and some care for over a decade before being recognised. Through the ‘Young Carers in Healthcare’ initiative, Family Action targeted the healthcare sector, training professionals to recognise and support young carers early in their journey.

The program equips healthcare staff to ask crucial questions about family life and to ensure young carers are linked to specialist services before their caring responsibilities reach crisis levels. By fostering curiosity around potential young carer roles and integrating a simple yet effective Young Carers Checklist into practice, the project has provided the healthcare sector with the tools needed to make real change.

Sarah Collin, Family Action’s Young Carers Service Manager, said:

We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this award. Young carers take on an immense responsibility, often at the expense of their own physical and mental health. Our aim with this project has been to ensure that healthcare professionals can identify these young people early and provide them with the support they need. By working closely with primary care services, we have made a huge difference in how young carers are recognised and cared for within the healthcare system. It’s been a privilege to see the impact this has had on so many lives, and we are committed to continuing this vital work.

The initiative’s success is underscored by its lasting impact on healthcare practices. For example, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are now developing pilots where all identified young carers will be invited to attend six-monthly Wellbeing Checks, ensuring they receive continuous support for their health and development. Additionally, 15 healthcare practitioners across 6 teams have established Young Carer Champions, dedicated to advocating for the needs of these young individuals.

Furthermore, the project’s healthcare roundtables  have enabled an understanding of the healthcare sector, which has supported the service to tailor approaches to open up essential referral pathways, ensuring young carers are no longer overlooked.