This year two Young Adult Carers, Izzy and Brian, were selected to take part in NHS England’s Young Carer Health Champion programme which aims to support service change through young carer voices, as well as promote improved health literacy and support health and wellbeing.

Young Carers from all around the country joined together at three three-day residentials throughout the year in Shropshire, London, and Doncaster. These involved team building, planning sessions and plenty of outdoor pursuits designed to challenge and increase confidence. The young carers learnt about, and put into practice, public speaking, life skills and affecting change which will help inform professionals and decision makers in services which affect them.

Izzy said ‘Health Champions was amazing! I really came into my own, mixing with other young carers, tackling things I never thought I’d do like a high up zipwire, and feeling that I will make a difference. I was interviewed and made promotional content explaining how healthcare services can help young carers, which I hope will have a future impact’.