Investigating peer support for young adult carers_v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Are peer support initiatives reaching out to young adults as caregivers for a parent with a neurological condition?
IRAS ID
232973
Contact name
Patricia Masterson-Algar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
At present it is estimated more than 500,000 people in Wales are affected by a neurological condition. The Welsh Government is pushing towards a family-centred approach where the needs of everyone in these families are taken into account. Thus, addressing the needs of young adults in these families should therefore be a priority for service providers across the country. There is an emerging body of evidence looking at the key protective role that peer support can play in helping people suffering from ill health. Peer support programmes (PSPs) are those that use a peer setting where individuals learn by interacting with, observing and listening to peers in similar circumstances. A number of PSPs for young adults who take on a caring role are currently in place across Wales. However, in rural areas such as North Wales there is a real risk that these PSPs, which are scattered, are not reaching out to meet the particular needs of those caring for a parent with a neurological condition. This study, based in North Wales, will scope PSPs currently in place and will explore the personal experiences of those service users who are young adult carers to a parent with a neurological condition. This study will produce an explanatory account of what is hindering and facilitating the success of PSPs in addressing the needs of this population and will produce both, a co-designed set of principles that should underpin PSPs and a PSP Implementation Plan.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
17/WA/0302
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion