Closing educational engagement gap for young carers is key to improving health and wellbeing of future generations

2 Sep 2021 03:34 PM

A new study, published by Public Health Wales yesterday evidences the negative impact that caring responsibilities have on educational participation in those aged 16-22, and how this has greatest impact on those living in the most deprived areas.

The research brings together National Survey for Wales data over three years and found that: 

• 1 in 5 young people aged 16 – 22 years in Wales have caring responsibilities  
• Males and females in this age group are equally likely to be young carers 
• Overall, the proportion of young people in full time education is lower amongst young carers (45 per cent in carers, compared to 54 per cent in non-carers), and this difference is greater in those living in more deprived areas. 

A novel finding in this study, is the new evidence to suggest that this difference is largely in the older age groups (19 to 22 years), where the proportion in full time tertiary education is 10 per cent less amongst carers.  The lowest participation is among those with caring responsibilities living in the most deprived areas where only 19 percent remain in full time tertiary education.   

Click here for the full press release