MULTI-STAKEHOLDERS’ ACTIONS TO SUPPORT YOUNG CARERS – a Manual

Across Europe, a substantial number of children and young people provide care to a family member or a friend who has a disability, chronic disease, frailty, addiction or other condition related to a long-term care need. These children – young carers– assume a level of responsibility that would normally be associated with an adult.

Despite the relevance of the phenomenon, many of the key stakeholders whose work has a bearing on the daily life of young carers are often unaware of the existence of young carers and of the challenges faced by them. As a result, young carers remain invisible and their needs for support are not met. This entails a negative impact on the development of young carers and a heavy toll on their education, mental health and social inclusion.

In the framework of the ME-WE Project, funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 Programme, a Manual has been developed, investigating the concrete actions that can be undertaken by different stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, health and social care providers, school professionals, youth, care workers, the media and the general public) to identify, support and listen to young carers. The final goal of the ME-WE Manual is to inform multi-stakeholders’ actions to empower young carers to fully enjoy their human rights and thrive.

Do you want to know what you can do to support young carers? Read the ME-WE Manual here.

Do you want to be updated about the latest developments on young carers? Register to the ME-WE Newsletter here.