A Eurocarers Initiative
Young Carers Inspiration Database
Shared resource · Global effort
International Knowledge Exchange
“There is a need in all countries for young carers to be recognized, identified, analysed and supported as a distinct group of ‘vulnerable children’.”
— Saul Becker (2007)
What is this project?
We're collecting awareness-raising materials from organisations worldwide to create a shared database that supports knowledge exchange, inspires new approaches, and strengthens the recognition of young carers everywhere.
Built for the organisations and professionals who work with and for young carers: NGOs, researchers, support workers, educators and beyond.
The goal is to enable countries and organisations across the globe to learn from each other, gain inspiration from high-quality materials, and accelerate awareness efforts.
A shared resource for a worldwide challenge.
The Challenge
Across the world, many countries and organisations lack the capacity or funding to create awareness materials for young carers. Recognition varies enormously and in many places, young carers remain largely invisible, despite professionals who want to support them.
The Solution
A shared global database allows organisations worldwide to learn from one another. Countries further along in their young carer journey can share knowledge and inspire others - accelerating progress toward a world where young carers everywhere are recognised and supported.
How to get involved?
Two pathways - one for every organisation.
You don’t need to be a Eurocarers member to take part. Whether you have materials to share or not, we want to hear from you.
I have materials to share
Upload and describe your awareness-raising materials for others to learn from or be inspired by.
I don't have materials yet
Complete a short needs assessment to help us understand what support your organisation needs to recognise young carers.
Why contribute?
Your participation matters.
Be part of a collaborative worldwide effort
Your contribution directly strengthens the recognition of young carers worldwide, supporting organisations still developing their approach.
Gain access to the database when it goes live
All contributors will be the first to know when the full inspiration database launches - a unique, curated resource of materials from all over the world.
Be acknowledged as a key contributor
All contributors will be formally acknowledged in the advisory report that will guide the development of the database when Eurocarers implements it officially.
Who is doing this research?
A collaborative project;
bridging the gap between research and practice.
Master's student from Ireland at Utrecht University, passionate about youth rights and social change. This project forms part of her internship, producing an advisory report for Eurocarers on the development and implementation of the Young Carers Inspiration Database.
LinkedInThis project is supervised by Michael Buynsters with the Dutch Strategic Young Carers Alliance, and carried out in collaboration with Eurocarers, the European network representing carers and their organisations across Europe.
For more information, contact: alliantie@jmzpro.nl,
Subject: Young Carers Inspiration Database
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once live, the database will be for everyone. It is built by and for professionals working with or for young carers worldwide - but the materials collected can help anyone begin their journey in advocating for young carers. Anyone can become an advocate. Young carers themselves can also use the database to find helpful resources.
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The project is currently in an exploratory inventory phase, run by a researcher as part of an internship project with The Dutch Strategic Young Carers Alliance in collaboration with Eurocarers. The project aims to map available materials internationally, gauge interest, and spark collaboration with relevant organisations worldwide. The researcher will then produce an advisory report for Eurocarers, who will have the final say on when and how the database goes live.
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Any material that relates to raising awareness of young carers, supporting professionals who work with them, or advocating for their recognition is eligible.
There is no strict quality standards for your submission; If you think your material could help support or raise awareness for young carers, we welcome it.
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Yes! Once the database is live, it will be entirely free to use.
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The database is open worldwide! While the database is rooted in European connections through the Eurocarers network, knowledge exchange is possible on a global scale. We want to include experiences from advanced countries like Canada and Australia, and to provide inspiration and support to countries that are just beginning their journey towards recognising young carers.
“There is a need in all countries for young carers to be recognized, identified, analysed and supported as a distinct group of ‘vulnerable children’.”
— Saul Becker (2007)
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Once submitted, your materials will be reviewed internally and you may be contacted if we have any follow-up questions. The project is currently in its inventory phase, and submitted materials will be considered as the database takes shape under Eurocarers' guidance. When live, the database will be publicly accessible - how your material is shared will depend on the copyright preferences you indicate during submission, with options for direct reuse or inspiration only.
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Yes. All contributors will be credited in the database. You will also be formally acknowledged in the advisory report guiding the official implementation of the database by Eurocarers.
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Yes. Most submissions will come from professionals submitting on behalf of their organisation. We recommend ensuring your organisation is aware that their materials are being shared, particularly with regard to copyright.
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Yes. If you need to update or withdraw a submission, please contact us at alliantie@jmzpro.nl with the subject line “Young Carers Inspiration Database” and we will assist you.
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Yes, absolutely. The database is international and multilingual submissions are encouraged.
