Praise for QSA project
‘Move On Up’ project recognised by Learning and Work Institute
A Quaker Social Action (QSA) shared housing project has been recognised for the crucial support it provides to young adult carers, in an independent evaluation published this month.
The ‘Move On Up’ project, which combines independent housing and up to twenty-four months’ tailored support for young adult carers aged eighteen to twenty-four, has been shown to have a positive impact on residents. This includes: providing respite from caring; improved relationships with family members; and improved outcomes in learning and employment.
Judith Moran, director of QSA, said: ‘At a pivotal moment in their lives, young adult carers can be held back by the burden of their caring responsibilities. Whilst peers start degrees and careers, they have had little time to think about their own lives. Move On Up has been leading the way in providing a supportive space for young adult carers to plan for the future.’
According to the evaluation, conducted by Learning and Work Institute, young adult carers are at a higher risk of becoming homeless or being in insecure living arrangements, yet previous research has found that no other housing project specifically for this group exists. Young adult carers are also at greater risk of high tension and breakdown in family relationships, and many lack the financial resources or the social relationships with peers needed to make a positive move out of the family home.
Typically, according to the findings, housing services do not consider caring as a contributing factor to youth homelessness, and carers’ services are able to offer little in the way of housing support. Other agencies, such as local authorities, existing housing providers and carers’ organisations, should also do more. QSA runs the programme with Commonweal Housing.
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.