Statistical profile of young carers

In 1995 the first ever quantitative survey of young carers was undertaken. The survey included data about 641 young carers, supported by 36 designated projects across Britain. In 1997 the survey was replicated. By this time there were more support projects for young carers and data were collected about 2303 young carers from 69 projects. These two surveys enabled researchers for the first time to statistically analyse data such as age, ethnicity, caring tasks, cared for person etc. Prior to this the ‘invisibility’ of young carers meant that previous research had been smallscale and qualitative in nature.