Phillippa Harrison
Care Coordinator
Theatre Royal Surgery
Mid Norfolk
The Challenge
After watching a video about young carers, Phillippa realised that her practice had a poor understanding of the number of young carers registered and felt compelled to tackle the issue.
Phillippa was keen to ensure that carers had access to all available support. She also recognised the need to raise awareness within the practice about this ‘hidden’ group.
There are approximately 120,000 young carers, aged between 5 and 17 years
(About young carers, 2021)
The Innovation
Phillippa completed a mapping of local support services available for young carers and carried out a data search within the practice to identify young people caring for family members with long-term conditions. She then contacted their parents for consent to add the young carers to the practice records so they could be offered additional support.
As a next step, Phillippa plans to work with local schools and health providers to gain a better understanding of what they can do for young carers.
The Impact
- Carers – Increased awareness of the services available to young carers within the PCN
- System – improved collaboration with the local community over young carers, including primary and secondary schools.
- Practitioner – increased satisfaction as a result of supporting and advocating for young carers.
