Carer Innovation Collective: ”Better support for carers, together”
The Carer Innovation Collective brings together people across the NHS, local authorities, and carer organisations who are passionate about improving support for unpaid Carers. It’s a space to share ideas, explore new approaches, and learn what’s working, from digital tools and AI to frontline support and engagement. Expect open conversations, shared challenges, and practical insights you can take back and apply. Whether you’re building new services or strengthening existing ones, this is a place to connect, learn, and make a real difference.
For many young carers, a phone is not just a distraction, it is a lifeline. It allows them to check in on family members, respond if something goes wrong, and manage the worry that often comes with caring responsibilities. While clear boundaries in schools are important, a one size fits all approach may not work. What are your thoughts?
My phone isn’t a distraction — it’s how I make sure everything is okay at home. It’s how I stay reachable in case something goes wrong, and honestly, it’s what helps me get through the day without constant anxiety.
I understand why schools want clear boundaries, but a one-size-fits-all rule doesn’t reflect the reality for young carers. For some of us, being cut off from our phones isn’t just inconvenient — it can be genuinely stressful and even unsafe.
There needs to be more flexibility and understanding. Supporting young carers means recognising that their responsibilities don’t pause when they walk into school.
I get why schools are looking at phone bans, but for young carers it’s not that simple.
When you’re responsible for someone at home, your phone isn’t just social — it’s how you stay connected, check in, and make sure things are okay. Taking that away completely can add a lot of stress.
There has to be a bit more understanding and flexibility. Not every student is in the same situation, and policies should reflect that.
Young carers and mobile phone bans in schools is a really complex one.
On one hand, I understand why schools want fewer distractions and clearer rules. But for young carers, a phone often isn’t about social use — it’s about staying connected to home and being able to respond if something isn’t right.
A blanket ban risks overlooking that reality. For some young carers, not having access to their phone can increase anxiety and make it harder to focus, not easier.
It feels like this is where flexibility matters. Schools can still have boundaries, but there should be space for understanding individual circumstances rather than applying the same rule to everyone.
Young carers and mobile phone bans in schools really highlights how one-size policies can miss real life situations.
For some students, a phone is just a distraction. But for young carers, it can be a way to check in, stay reassured, and be reachable if something happens at home.
Taking that away completely doesn’t just remove a distraction — it can add a layer of worry that’s hard to switch off during the school day.
It feels like the conversation shouldn’t just be about banning phones, but about how schools can recognise and support young carers in a more flexible, realistic way.
From what I’m seeing, there’s a strong focus on measurable outcomes and value for money, but also more emphasis on early intervention and prevention. There seems to be growing interest in how services identify and reach hidden carers, not just those already known.
Partnership working also feels key — showing how you connect with health, education, and community organisations rather than working in isolation.
At the same time, there’s still that challenge of balancing numbers with real lived impact.
Would be great to hear directly from others — what are you seeing come through most strongly in recent tenders?
