What Matters to Young Carers in North Tyneside 2024

83 young carers have told us about their experiences of being a young carer in North Tyneside. This included young people who care for a parent or older relative, and young people who support a brother or sister with care needs. We heard that their caring role has the biggest impacts on their own emotional wellbeing, their social lives, friendships and education.

We heard that 42% of young carers thought they were providing more care than they did 12 months ago, partly down to the increased needs of the people they care for.

Young carers were, in the main, more positive about the support they receive than in our last young carers survey in 2022. Particular highlights are the support some receive though their school – particularly where the school was part of North Tyneside Carers’ Centre Young Carers in Schools programme (funded by the ICB). Young carers really valued opportunities for peer support, activities and breaks, but wanted more of these and more tailored to different interests. Finally we identified the need to review the Young Carers Needs Assessment process and how these are reviewed as young carers get older.

We worked with young carers to review the findings of our young carers survey and develop the recommended actions. You can read the full report here.

We at Healthwatch know the vital role that carers play in our community. Without them, the health and care system would simply not function. Healthwatch North Tyneside is a key member of North Tyne’s Carers Partnership board and leads on engaging with carers across North Tyneside, to make sure their views and experiences influence decisions. We focus on young carers one year, and adult cates the next year. Thanks to North Tyneside Carers’ Centre and the young carers of North Tyneside who took their time to share their views and experiences.

Report cover image features Healthwatch North Tyneside Director Paul Jones, Coby Black (North Tyneside’s Young Mayor and a young carer) and Carers’ Centre Chief Executive Claire Easton. Photographed after presenting this report to the 2024 ‘Caring For Carers’ Conference in June 2024.