The experiences and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Young Carers: practice implications and planning for future health emergencies

Abstract

Background: Young Carers faced significant challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored the impact of the pandemic and associated restrictions on mental health, wellbeing and access to support in Young Carers in the United Kingdom (UK) to understand how to improve services, as well as support this population in future health emergencies. Method: We conducted 22 qualitative semi-structured interviews from May to November 2021, with 14 Young Carers and 8 staff working in organisations that supported them. Interviews took place remotely over video or telephone call, discussing topics such as experiences of the pandemic on their health, wellbeing and caring responsibilities. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyse interview transcripts. Results: We identified 4 overarching themes pertaining to the impact of the pandemic and associated restrictions on mental health, wellbeing, and access to support in Young Carers in the UK: 1) challenges to following the guidelines, 2) changes to and loss of routine, 3) changes in provision of informal and formal support and 4) better understanding of inner resilience and goals. Many participants struggled with their mental health and wellbeing as a result of pandemic related restrictions, impacting on support structures for themselves, as well as the individual cared for. However, positive impacts pertained to additional support from local authority and third sector organisations. Conclusions: Our findings highlight some of the changes that affected Young Carers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of changes to routine and a reduction in pre-pandemic support were the greatest concerns reported by participants in this study. The additional support provided by local authority and third sector organisations during social restrictions suggests such organisations could play a greater role in supporting this population going forward, and that schools and Governments may wish to put in additional strategies and provisions to protect this population in the future.