How
Can Service Provision Meet the Needs of Black
Carers?
Student
Research: De Montfort University
Introduction
Literature suggests that Black carers have been
marginalised in social policy, research and mainstream
service provision. The low take-up of services indicates
that many remain hidden. This research project recognises
how changing social and national boundaries have
reconstituted and perpetuated race and gender inequality in
the social organisation of care. It considers how service
provision can address the needs and circumstances of Black
carers.
The
Research
This was based in two East Midlands towns and used a range
of research tools including focus groups and interviews to
explore Black carers’ and workers’ perceptions of service
provision. Focus group participants were adult carers
already accessing support but they were mixed in terms of
‘race,’ religion, language, age and caring experience. The
project considers the particular barriers encountered by
asylum seeker and refugee carers and the significance of an
anti-racist perspective.
KEY FINDINGS:
Access
to Services
Carers described a stage of being in denial about their
caring role. This may require a particularly sensitive
response from services. Others expressed that it was years
before they identified with the political concept of
‘carer.’ Generally participants had great difficulty
knowing where or how to find help. Whilst GP Practices are
in a unique position to identify and refer carers, they
rarely functioned in this capacity.
‘Racial’
and Cultural Identity
Carers discussed the impact of ‘racial’ and cultural
identity and the type of services required. Despite strong
motivation to care, the strain, isolation and
relentlessness of caring were almost intolerable for
heavily involved carers. Racism sometimes contributed
directly to mental health issues, anxiety and depression.
Most encountered culturally inappropriate service provision
and misunderstanding.
Experience of services
Only two carers had received an assessment. Participants
described inconsistent support, irregular care workers,
inflexible services and tight eligibility criteria. They
described the complexity and inadequacy of benefits and
explored the advantages of direct payments. Two thirds of
the carers were at some point household heads and the sole
wage earner. These required services that coordinated with
work or adequate financial support to remain at home.
Having a Black Initiative
Very few carers were referred by statutory services or
understood their function. Once in contact with the Black
carers’ support group they were more likely to access
information, benefits, assessment and services because of
the worker’s professional knowledge and advocacy. The group
was a safe place to explore mental health and disability
issues, racism and any other concerns. Carers experienced
friendship, first language support, encouragement and
empowerment.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Workers advocated mainstreaming but with adequate
consultation and guidance to avoid monocultural service
provision. The political, anti-racist significance of
organisations like the National Black Carers and Carers
Workers Network was evident in the context of a welfare
state that has traditionally failed to engage with the
needs of Black people.
Recommendations
There is a need for sensitive and proactive outreach to
enable Black carers to access support at the outset of
caring. The role of Black carers’ support groups needs much
greater recognition and resourcing.
For further information please contact:
Claire.Gregory@learner.dmu.ac.uk
