"Is Ireland Taking Advantage of Young Carers? Same Work, Same Hours, No Pay!"

As a group of three 3rd Year occupational therapy student researchers in the National University of Ireland, Galway, this service-learning project was undertaken as part of a Community-Engagement module from September 2015 and... [ view full abstract ]

As a group of three 3rd Year occupational therapy student researchers in the National University of Ireland, Galway, this service-learning project was undertaken as part of a Community-Engagement module from September 2015 and due to be finished by May 2016. The project looks at what supports are available in Ireland for young carers (focusing on those aged 16-18) and their families, particularly surrounding financial support. In the United Kingdom young carers can start to receive the Carer’s Allowance at the age of 16, however currently in Ireland one of the eligibility criteria for the Carer’s Allowance is that the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. The aim of this project is to hear what young carers, aged 16-18, have to say about this social exclusion issue, how it impacts their occupations and opportunities, and to help make change for the better.

The first step of the project was to research the topic and present the information in the form of a poster, which is attached to this application form. The next step, which will be completed between January-May 2016, is to create a short video interviewing some participants from this population and/or those interested in supporting this population, such as members of the Carers Association in Ireland or similar organisations. Currently, Britain and Australia, among other countries, have a system in place to protect young carers. Therefore, the researchers feel that Ireland is behind in this respect and something needs to be done to create positive change.