There is a dearth of research with Black and Minority Ethnic carers. Little is known about the experiences of this group, and their access to and take up of formal and informal support.
This PhD study aimed to bridge this gap by interviewing Black and Minority Ethnic carers, in Wales and England. Through qualitative in-depth interviews, it was possible to explore their experiences of formal and informal support, and support they found beneficial to them and their family.
Although the research was with parent carers of children with life-limiting conditions, the findings are relevant across social care (both for adult and children’s services), in terms of providing support for Black and Minority Ethnic carers. Useful insights are provided into the experiences of this group.
The presentation focuses on the contrast between previously held beliefs regarding the availability of family and community support for this group of families, and the accounts of carers themselves. Topics covered in the interviews included Black and Minority Ethnic carers describing their caring experiences, support from family and friends, the role of religion, as well as their experiences of services from the NHS, hospices, social care and education.
Presenter: Dr Wahida Kent, Lecturer in Social Work, University of South Wales.
