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Voices from the Margins: Aotearoa/New Zealand Young Carers Reflect on Their Experiences

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren Donnan

    (Faculty of Arts, Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand)

  • Janet S. Gaffney

    (School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education and Social Work, Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand)

  • Toni Bruce

    (School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Education and Social Work, Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand)

Abstract

Young carers are a largely invisible and unsupported population of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) children and youth aged 25 years and under who physically, emotionally, socially, and/or spiritually support loved ones experiencing ill health, disability, substance misuse, mental illness, or advanced age. The total number of young carers in NZ is unknown because census data only capture those aged 15–25. The nine published NZ studies recommend further research, policies, and services for young carers. However, there is a lack of young carer voices to inform their implementation. This paper provides insight into the experiences and needs of 28 young carers, the largest self-identified cohort in NZ research. Throughout phenomenographic interviews, young caring was described as a natural and valued part of being in a whānau/aiga/family, aimed at supporting their loved one’s holistic wellbeing. However, the overwhelming nature of caring without recognition or support resulted in poor educational, social, and mental health outcomes for young carers. This paper concludes with a contextualised NZ young carer definition and an urgent call to address the Carers’ Strategy Action Plan and listen to, and deliver on, young carers’ expressed needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren Donnan & Janet S. Gaffney & Toni Bruce, 2023. "Voices from the Margins: Aotearoa/New Zealand Young Carers Reflect on Their Experiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(15), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:15:p:6511-:d:1209426
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Aurélie Untas & Christel Vioulac & Pauline Justin & Agnes Leu & Géraldine Dorard, 2022. "Professionals’ Awareness of Young Carers in Schools: Results from a French Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-19, October.
    2. Daniel Phelps, 2017. "The Voices of Young Carers in Policy and Practice," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(3), pages 113-121.
    3. Ed Janes, 2022. "Young Carer Perception of Control: Results of a Phenomenology with a Mixed Sample of Young Carers Accessing Support and Unknown to Services," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-16, May.
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