It is something special: How children and their parents experience a camp for young people who care for a parent with a severe physical illness

Young carers' experiences of having a “buddy” on the Buddies for Children and Youngsters programme in Denmark – A qualitative interview study

“…In this way, the programme could be considered a valuable coping tool for some young carers and, maybe, a tool to find the energy to bear future problems. Feelings of respite are consistent with findings from the buddy programme in Copenhagen (Wind & Jorgensen, 2020), and similar findings have also been reported in studies focusing on camps for young carers (Cunningham et al., 2017; Nagl‐Cupal & Prajo, 2019). However, camps are rare and time‐limited events, whereas the BCY programme is an adaptable approach that offers a more continuous and flexible type of support to young carers that may be integrated into their everyday lives.…”

“…However, camps are rare and time‐limited events, whereas the BCY programme is an adaptable approach that offers a more continuous and flexible type of support to young carers that may be integrated into their everyday lives. Camps also differ from the BCY programme in that they are group‐based and provide opportunities for socialising with other young carers of the same age, allowing them to mirror themselves with peers and not feel alone (Cunningham et al., 2017; Nagl‐Cupal & Prajo, 2019). Seemingly, some of the benefits of peer support (through camps) also seem to have been activated for some of the young carers through the BCY programme.…”

“…The interview guide was based on the methodological literature (Kortesluoma et al., 2003) and inspired by existing literature on interventions for young carers (Cunningham et al., 2017; McClatchey & Wimmer, 2012; Moore & McArthur, 2007; Nagl‐Cupal & Prajo, 2019; Wind & Jorgensen, 2020). The interview guide was pilot‐tested on a comparable target group and adjusted accordingly to ensure credibility (Brinkmann & Kvale, 2015).…”

“…Thus, the consequences may affect individuals not only in childhood but also in adulthood. Due to these short‐ and long‐term consequences, several studies have examined various support needs, identifying individual or group support, counselling, conversations, attention, and respite in the form of fun activities or camps (Cunningham et al., 2017; Henoch et al., 2016; Metel & Barnes, 2011; Moore & McArthur, 2007; Nagl‐Cupal & Prajo, 2019; Nolbris & Nilsson, 2017; Richardson et al., 2009).…”

“…Different services and programmes exist to support young carers. However, few studies have investigated their impact (Cunningham et al., 2017; Moore & McArthur, 2007; Nagl‐Cupal & Prajo, 2019; Richardson et al., 2009; Wind & Jorgensen, 2020). Only one Danish study has evaluated a respite programme for young carers, namely a study of the buddy programme carried out at the University College Copenhagen (Wind & Jorgensen, 2020), in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, which provided support to young carers between 5 and 15 years old.…”