During spring 2025, a digital evaluation of Young Carers was held to understand valuable insight into the impact of advocacy support provided to children and young people in the region of Sandwell.
Between April 28 and June 10, 2025, a total of 17 advocacy feedback entries were collected from partners aged 11–18 in schools where advocacy support had taken place.
The evaluation found recurring themes of emotional encouragement, planning support, and improved confidence amongst their demographic.
The feedback clearly demonstrated the positive and meaningful impact of advocacy support on young people in school settings. Sandwell Advocacy’s role in boosting confidence, offering guidance, and emotionally supporting young individuals was repeatedly affirmed across diverse responses.
Furthermore, partners consistently reported feeling listened to, understood, and encouraged, with many expressing a desire for more frequent interactions or additional activities.
Advocates were recognised for encouraging perseverance, even when things were hard and most respondents indicated a desire to continue seeing their advocate.
Finally, no negative feedback was recorded regarding the support received throughout the evaluation process.
Themes from personal comments shared, included:
Strong Advocate Relationships
- “S is amazing, she understands me so well even when I can’t put my feelings into words.”
- “I love my advocate, she is so helpful and always tells me she is proud of how far I have come.”
- “My advocate has supported me in developing my confidence.”
Suggestions for Improvement
- Some participants expressed a desire to see their advocates more often.
- Others suggested more fun activities, such as trips and games, to enhance the experience.
Positive Outcomes
- “Having an advocate gave me the opportunity to express myself and to feel more confident.”
- “It helped me a lot because I feel more confident and comfortable in other situations now.”
This input provides a strong foundation for continuing and expanding advocacy programs such as Advocacy Project for Young Carers (SAYC), with attention to increasing engagement frequency and offering enriching activities to further support young people’s development and well-being.
“Through the SAYC project, we remain committed to supporting Young Carers in every way we can, recognising their unique circumstances and responsibilities, and ensuring their voices are heard as they navigate the path to adulthood,” said Sharon Wilson of Sandwell Advocacy.
To find out more about Advocacy Project for young carers and how we can support you whilst you support your family and to ensure that your needs are met and your voice is heard, please contact us.