Report: Access to and use of health and social care services by young carers in Bromley

Report - 7 August 2025

Healthwatch Bromley is committed to empowering local residents to make best use of health and social care services. We initiated this research project to collect insights from and analyse the needs of Bromley young carers aged 11 – 19, in response to suggestions that this potentially vulnerable group might need targeted support to make better use of these services.

Young carers play a crucial role in providing care for family members or friends facing various health challenges, but their individual experiences and needs can be hard to recognise.

This project aimed to gather comprehensive feedback on how young carers navigate health and social care services for themselves and the people they support. By identifying barriers and challenges they face—ranging from lack of emotional support to access to resources—our goal is to inform and enhance the delivery of services tailored to their circumstances.

Aligned with the objectives of Bromley’s Children and Young People’s Plan, the research engaged with young carers directly through surveys and focus groups, leveraging their insights to inform practical recommendations for policymakers and healthcare partners.

We heard from 54 people about their experiences. 51 were young carers in Bromley who care for a family member. We also spoke to 3 parents of the young carers. The feedback collected highlights key themes which illustrate the impact of their caregiving responsibilities on their well-being, education, and social life.

Our recommendations set out practical steps that can be taken to better identify young carers, provide emotional and educational support, and create opportunities for respite, inclusion, and recognition.

We received a formal response from the following key stakeholders, and you will find these attached to the back of the report:

  • Director of Education Children, Education and Families, London Borough of Bromley
  • Department for Education
  • Community Services Manager Bromley Well Young Carers
  • Director of Children's Services, London Borough of Bromley
  • Integrated Strategic Commissioner, London Borough of Bromley

 

Cover photo by Apgpotr

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Access to and use of health and social care services by young carers in Bromley
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