THE WORK OF SHEFFIELD YOUNG CARERS ORGANISATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ON SUPPORTING YOUNG CARER

Abstract

Young carers (including young adult carers) are individuals under the age of 25 who provide or intend to provide care, help and support to family members, most commonly parents, but also siblings, grandparents or other relatives because of their disability, chronic illness, mental health problems or other disruptive situations. In the 1990s, research began in the UK on the experiences of young carers, a group hitherto unrecognised in both academic research and social policy. There, the conceptual apparatus for describing this phenomenon was formulated. Current research on this topic is being carried out in many countries around the world, which provides a broad knowledge base to better understand the situation of young carers. Research and reflection on this issue has resulted in legislative solutions and the development of a support system aimed at young carers. This article will outline the work of Sheffield Young Carers, an organisation that is part of this system.