Young people who provide care have unique experiences, perspectives and needs. Yet too often, their identities as young people can be overshadowed by their caring responsibilities.
At UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCWB), we believe young people are the experts in their own lived experiences. This belief was at the heart of our two-year research journey, working alongside young people who provide care to better understand their experiences, amplify their voices and identify opportunities for meaningful change.
The resulting Young People First, Carers Second Research Report, published in 2021, shares their stories, insights and ideas for improving the way young people who provide care are recognised, treated and supported.
What young people told us
The report explores the realities of caring from the perspectives of young people themselves, including experiences and challenges that are not always captured through traditional research or service delivery.
Young people reflected on how changes to the carer support system had affected them, identified gaps in support and shared what they wanted families, communities, service providers and policymakers to understand.
Their message was clear: they want to be recognised, treated and supported as young people first, carers second.
Turning lived experience into meaningful change
Working with UCWB’s Lived Experience Researcher, young people identified practical changes in attitudes, behaviours and approaches that could improve their everyday experiences and contribute to broader change across services, policy and advocacy.
Their insights invite us all to rethink how we support young people who provide care, ensuring their individual needs, aspirations and identities remain at the centre of what we do.
UCWB remains committed to listening to young people and using their lived experiences to inform how we work. We encourage individuals, service providers and organisations to explore the report and consider how its findings can help create more responsive, person-centred support.
Read the Young People First, Carers Second Research Report to hear directly from young people who provide care and explore their ideas for change.