02 December 2008
The Mental Health Foundation and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers today launched a call for evidence to seek views on how best to support young people aged 10 – 21, who care for a parent with a serious mental illness.
The two charities are keen to hear from young carers and professionals about the kind of support young people caring for parents with a mental illness need, and hope to identify the strengths and limitations of existing practices. The survey is part of MyCare, a project examining the experiences and needs of young carers, specifically looking at how age, gender and culture affect their resilience and coping strategies.
Simon Lawton-Smith, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation, said: “We know that over 50,000 children and young people in the UK care for parents who have severe and enduring mental health problems. This can place them under enormous pressure, not only in their relationships with their parents and families, but also in their school and social lives. It’s vital that we provide young carers with appropriate support so that they do not suffer.”
Visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mycare for more information.
--Ends--
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact the Mental Health Foundation’s press office team on 020 7803 1130/1128.
The Mental Health Foundation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk) uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is a national charity that supports over 350,000 carers and over 20,000 young carers throughout the UK through a network of carers’ centres, young carers’ projects and interactive websites, www.carers.org and www.youngcarers.net . YCNet (www.youngcarers.net) is a website for young people aged 18 and under in the UK, who help to look after someone in their family who has an illness, disability, drug/alcohol addiction or mental health condition.
Back to News Releases 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
