Supporting young carers – guidance for GPs and staff

Working with over 400 young and young adult carers, NHS England has produced 5 top tips for GPs and staff in NHS services in order to better support young carers.

The NHS is currently working on how to embed this guidance into general practice.

The 5 tips include:

• recognising that young carers have individual needs and shouldn’t all be treated the same.
• thinking about the support and understanding a young carer may need.
• listening and hearing what young carers are saying.
• avoiding relying on young carers interpreting for the person they care for.
• thinking about how you can make appointments more accessible, after school, double appointments etc.

The NHS England, Commitment to Carers Programme work with young and young adult carers aged 16-24 who are empowered to have a voice and share their thoughts on how healthcare can support all young and young adult carers in continuing their caring role whilst at the same time achieving personal goals. This group will be developing a video based on this guidance.

More information can be found on the NHS England website.