Variation in support by family, specialist project and mainstream services improves, mitigates and exacerbates the impacts of young carer responsibilities

Support can moderate the impacts of caring for family members during childhood, but while specialist projects have been found to be beneficial for those with substantial responsibilities, there is limited evidence on how mainstream services can identify and support the larger population. This phenomenological study of the wider spectrum investigated experiences of accessing support over a year-long period. The findings highlight the diversity of the spectrum in terms of family support, care-receiver relationships and motivations for privacy or disclosure. Participants also contrasted the individualised support offered by projects with the lack of engagement and identification by mainstream services.