Nexus – connecting research, policy and practices to support young carers

Connecting research, policies
and youth practices

In recent years, many researchers, policy-makers and youth workers have emphasised the need for more participatory research with young people, especially the most vulnerable ones such as young caregivers. More than ever in these cases, the participatory research is crucial to enable young carers and more generally groups at risk of marginalization to take an active role in providing more information about their life experiences and thus influencing policy and practices.

The weight on my shoulders is enormous, I feel very alone. I feel powerless. Exhausted. I have to study, do the groceries, take care of the rest of the family, talk to the doctors. I just want to live my adolescence carefree, but one question keeps bothering me: if I leave, will he hurt himself? […]

Raul

Uncertainty, guilt and anguish have become the constants of my every day. I feel fear, anger, sadness, love and hate all at once.

Anna

Being a young caregiver has greatly helped me to grow and mature. Supporting and caring for my father makes me feel good and fulfilled.

Enzo

My sister’s disability has been a real asset for our whole family because it has made us develop feelings that are very rare today, such as humility, altruism, simplicity.