Supporting young adult carers to access and achieve in learning and training
At a joint NIACE and Carers Trust policy seminar last week, HRH The Princess Royal spoke about the particular complexities that young adult carers face in navigating the education system. Whilst acknowledging the excellent support that many learning providers offer to young adult carers, the Princess Royal highlighted the fact that this support is, too often, due to the commitment and passion of individual staff:
“Most learning providers underestimate the hurdles that young adult carers face. I’m afraid that good practice is not general practice.”
She also spoke about the costs to society, particularly employers, if young adult carers are not supported to achieve their potential:
“Society will miss out on some really good people; young adult carers are often highly motivated and efficient young people, with a lot to offer.”
As Patron of NIACE and President of the Carers Trust, HRH The Princess Royal expressed pleasure that the two organisations are working in active partnership to drive this important agenda forward.
HRH The Princess Royal meeting young adult carers at the policy seminar
The key messages conveyed by The Princess Royal were endorsed by other keynote speakers, and a number of young adult carers. Dame Philippa Russell, Chair of the Government’s Standing Commission on Carers, spoke about the challenges professionals face in identifying young adult carers, and the need for learning providers to offer flexible support if they are to achieve their learning potential:
“Young adult carers have remarkable skills which society and community need; they need to feel valued and respected in what they do. Unfortunately they have variable educational experiences; we need to maximise opportunities to influence public services and ensure that young adult carers get the respect and support they deserve.”
Dame Philippa Russell speaking at the policy seminar
NIACE Programme Manager, Yola Jacobsen, provided delegates with an overview of NIACE’s draft policy paper on access to education and training for young adult carers. She emphasised the importance of government agencies working together to secure changes to policy which will support and enable young adult carers to engage in learning and employment, rather than hinder them. The removal of the 21-hour rule; the provision of tailored information, advice and guidance support for young adult carers, and increased financial support to engage in learning, are amongst the policy challenges that NIACE is committed to advocating for.
Carol Taylor, Director of Development and Research at NIACE, concluded the seminar by re-affirming NIACE’s commitment to work with the Carers Trust to take this agenda forward:
“By working together I am certain that NIACE and the Carers Trust can influence policy and practice to enable young adult carers to have better experiences of learning, achieve their potential and embark on a fulfilling career path that is right for them. One of our first tasks will be to convene a national policy forum focussed on young adult carers’ access to learning and employment. We will ensure that young adult carers’ voices are at the heart of this and other work that we do.”
As Louise, a 24 year old young adult carer, said at the seminar:
“Being a carer is a challenge, but you can’t lie down and let it walk all over you. There needs to be more awareness and support for young adult carers – teachers and other staff need to know about caring and how it affects us – they need to listen, understand and help us out.”
NIACE welcomes feedback on its draft policy paper. Please e-mail me your feedback or comments - nicola.aylward@niace.org.uk.
