Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more young people in the UK have taken on caring roles, rising from 8% to nearly 12%. These young carers are more likely to live in single-parent, low-income households and deprived areas. There’s also been an increase in high-intensity caring, especially among girls. Most care is still provided to parents. The findings highlight the need for better support for young carers and stronger links with adult health and social care services to help identify them.
Alejandra Letelier et al. |Understanding young caring in the UK pre- and post-COVID-19: Prevalence, correlates, and insights from three UK longitudinal surveys | Children and Youth Services Review, 2024