Published 17th December 2021 by

The NHS England & Improvement Young Carer Health Champion programme is looking for carers aged 16-24 to join them.

The Young Carers Health Champion programme was set up in 2015 to support improved health literacy, promote health and wellbeing, and develop the capacity of young carers to participate in planning and development of young carer friendly services. It aims to support service change through young carer voices being heard.

The 12-month programme is made up of young adult carers (aged between 16-24) from across the country. If you become part of this programme you will experience self-development, be part of healthcare initiatives that aim to improve young carer identification and support, and develop an action plan with outcomes that further support young carer friendly services.

There is the opportunity for four young carers from across the area covered by Carers Matter Norfolk to join this programme.

Why join the programme?

If you are a young carer or young adult carer who wants to make a difference and contribute your experience and ideas, then this programme is for you.

Health Champions that complete the programme can become a mentor for the next cohort of Health Champions.

Your personal development and opportunity to be part of national work to improve the support and identification of young carers can continue.

How to join and what the programme involves

NHS England are recruiting now for the April 2022 programme. The 12-month programme includes:

  • three residential weekends which must be attended with a support worker from your young carer organisation
  • regular virtual contact as a group through our closed Facebook group
  • opportunities to participate and contribute to healthcare events and workshops.

If you are keen to be considered for this programme email Paula Cruise now with your name, age and young carer organisation support worker contact details to Paula.Cruise@nhs.net, or call Paula on 07800 171820 if you have any questions.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 5 January 2022.

Confirmation of acceptance on the programme will be sent the following week.

Dates you need to know

During the 12 months programme you must attend three residential weekends. The dates are:

  • 12, 13 and 14 April 2022 (activity centre)
  • 22, 23 and 24 July 2022 (city centre hotel)
  • 26, 27 and 28 October 2022 (activity centre)