YOUNG people in the Isle of Man who provide care for a family member are being surveyed to try and improve the quality of their lives.
The project is being carried out in conjunction with the Department of Education and Children and the charity Crossroads for Carers.
The survey is targeted at anyone under the age of 18 who cares for family members who have a disability, illness, mental health or substance misuse issue.
Young people will be asked who they care for, how many hours they spend caring, what tasks they perform, what they like and don't like about caring and how it affects their lives. The survey also asks whether caring has impacted on their school life and whether they would appreciate more support when in school.
Alex Wilson, a researcher for Crossroads, said: "We work closely with young carers from an early age until they no longer require our help.
"Data from this year's census is awaited but it is estimated that there are more than 1000 young carers on the Isle of Man - only a small number of whom access our help.
"The care young people provide varies from situation to situation but all take on more adult roles and responsibilities within the home often to the detriment of their education and future. Because their caring role has simply evolved many do not even recognise themselves as carers.
"Young carers generally do not do well academically partly due to the heavy burden caring places on their time and the anxiety and lack of concentration that comes with worrying about leaving their care partner at home while they are at school, and partly due to a lack of knowledge and understanding from peers.
"Through the survey we aim to get a more accurate idea of the number of young carers on the Isle of Man and the extent of their caring responsibilities. Young carers have the opportunity to voice their needs and concerns and tell us what help they would like in order to improve policies and procedures to help them thrive and flourish, taking an active part in education, employment and taking up leisure activities while fulfilling their caring role."
The results of the survey will be analysed by Sally Brookes, the head of services for children, and Graham Kinrade the coordinating adviser for information communication technology. The information collected will be used in the government's new Children's Plan which is set for publication post 2012.
Sally said: "We are happy to facilitate this survey in order to raise the profile of young carers on the Isle of Man and for the first time collect their candid views on how caring is affecting their lives. By listening to these views we will be able to plan to meet their needs more effectively."
The survey will run for six weeks and is web based. All schools in the Island have the information and will be distributing it to pupils. The survey, which is password protected to ensure quality data, can be filled in online at www2.sch.im. Anyone who is under 18 but not in school can contact Jo Overty on 01624 686080 or at jo.overty@gov.im for assistance in filling out the survey.
