‘”Our Unified Voice to Implement Change and Advance the View of Young Carers and Young Adult Carers.” An Appreciative Evaluation of the Impact of a National Young Carer Health Champions Programme.‘

Author(s): Medforth, Nicolas
Publisher: Social Work in Public Health
Year Published: 2022
Resource type: Peer Reviewed Research Article

Summary:

This article evaluates and explores the impact of the Young Carer Health Champions programme developed by NHS England with the aim of improving future programme delivery. The Young Carer Health Champions programme brings young carers and young adult carers across England together to provide peer support and improve confidence, health literacy, and wellbeing. Seventeen Young Carer Health Champions aged 16-24 participated in the study. Using a case study approach, data was collected through participant observation, focus groups, and follow-up telephone and on-line interviews. Findings demonstrated: the personal impact of becoming a Young Carer Health Champion such as peer support, network building, positive new experiences, and self-confidence; and next steps for contributing to the development of future services such as facilitating feelings of empowerment through leaning how to become a voice for others and providing opportunities to become an agent of change through mentoring and helping others.

Citation: Medforth, N. (2022). “Our Unified Voice to Implement Change and Advance the View of Young Carers and Young Adult Carers.” An Appreciative Evaluation of the Impact of a National Young Carer Health Champions Programme. Social Work in Public Health, 37(6), 581–598. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2022.2058673

Keywords: Young carer; young adult; carer; health champions; case study; transition

Where the data was collected: England (NHS England Young Carer Health Champions Programme)