Learning and Work Institute worked in partnership with The Carers Federation to improve the support that young adult carers receive in further education.

Starting in late 2019, the three-year project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, involved L&W working with 39 further education colleges and college groups, across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Colleges received tailored one-to-one support to review their provision for young adult carers and implement actions to enable them to achieve better outcomes.

National data shows that young adult carers are three times more likely to be NEET (not in education, employment or training) as other young people and five times more likely to drop out of college. By understanding young adult carers’ needs and putting effective support in place and developing effective partnership working with local services, the project aimed to give young adult carers good opportunities to benefit from learning and fulfil their potential.

Taking part in Driving Change resulted in a range of positive outcome for colleges and their young adult carers including:

• Improved identification of young adult carers
• Increased staff confidence in recognising and supporting young adult carers
• Improved relationships with local carers services and other local partners resulting in more joined up support for young adult carers during their time at college.
• External recognition of the support offered to young adult carers at their college through achievement of the Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS).

Support for colleges

A bank of practical resources and examples of good practice shared by Driving Change participants to support effective working with young adult carers, including policy documents and templates. The resources are grouped under the different criteria of the Quality Standard in Carer Support Framework.