What Fan Does
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Lambeth Carers Participatory research & design

Research, design and prototyping to solve the challenges faced by young adult carers in Lambeth.

Participatory research
Co-design
Prototyping
Illustration
Game design

 

Produced while at Innovation Unit for NHS Lambeth, in partnership with Carers Hub Lambeth

2016

Lambeth Carers: a new service to support the wellbeing and aspirations of young carers

 

Commissioned by NHS lambeth | For Carers Hub Lambeth | Team: Saskia Baard, Rebecca Birch | My role: Project Lead | 2016


Challenge

  • Young carers are young people looking after a family member or a friend experiencing illness, disability, mental health problems or addiction.

  • Carers are twice as likely to be in poor health, and 75% of carers find it hard to maintain social relationships.

  • The care provided by friends and family members to ill, frail or disabled relatives is equivalent to £132 billion every year, considerably more than total spending on the NHS. However, half of all carers in the UK feel undervalued.

  • This project focused on carers aged 16 to 25, as there was no support provided for this age group. As young adults, they are also in a moment of transition where their caring role could come into conflict with their aspirations.

 
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Process

  • In-depth research and co-design with young adult carers

  • Audio storytelling to build empathy with professionals (GPs, schools, support workers)

  • Prototyping through bespoke games and role-playing

  • Service blueprinting

  • Branding

Outcome

  • Carers Hub Lambeth was able to successfully apply for funding to deliver a new service supporting young adult carers. The service focuses on giving them the tools for wellbeing and resilience, and supporting their aspirations.

‘It’s been invaluable and has helped me come out of my shell. I was feeling anxious and isolated but now I feel I have a place where I can be more open about myself as there are others just like me.’
— Young adult carer
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Summary insights report

 
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Branding and
illustrations