We spoke to over 400 young and young adult carers and from their hundreds of comments collated 5 top tips which have been turned into guidance for GPs and staff.

This is one of the objectives in the NHS Long Term Plan and Ministerial Roundtable, aimed at improving the identification and support of young carers.

This guidance for general practice which has been developed by young carers, include access to preventative health and social prescribing, and timely referral to local support services.

We are working with colleagues in NHS England, GPs and primary care networks to look at how best to embed this guidance in general practice and really make a difference to the experience of young carers.

The NHS England, Commitment to Carers Programme work with young and young adult carers aged 16-24 who are empowered to have a voice and share their thoughts on how healthcare can support all young and young adult carers in continuing their caring role whilst at the same time achieving personal goals.

These amazing young carers have also developed a video based on the guidance which will be launched at a later date.

This group of young and young adult carers also chose to write and sing an amazing song called “In just 5 minutes” which they produced in collaboration with Shared Harmonies CIC. The song is aimed at healthcare professionals to listen and hear what the young carers are saying.

Up to 20,000 young carers will hopefully benefit from this more proactive approach.

Young carers say that GPs need to:

• recognise that young carers have individual needs and shouldn’t all be treated the same.
• think about the support and understanding a young carer may need.
• listen and hear what young carers are saying.
• avoid relying on young carers interpreting for the person they care for.
• think about how you can make appointments more accessible, after school, double appointments etc.

Note: These top tips have previously been published on a blog on our website: NHS England » Young Carers Action Day