ARU Final Report

Full Report – March 2021 3 Table of contents 1. Executive summary 6 1.1 Background 6 1.2 Methods 6 1.3 Findings 6 1.3.1 Practical challenges and support 6 1.3.2 Mental health and wellbeing 7 1.3.3 Connection and loneliness 8 1.3.4 Support from services 9 1.4 Recommendations 10 2. Background and approach 11 2.1 Background to the research 11 2.2 Hearing from young people 12 3. Design and methods 14 3.1 Participatory research design 14 3.2 Deciding priority areas and designing the questionnaire 14 3.3 Data collection using a questionnaire and focus groups 15 3.4 Data analysis and reflection on initial findings 16 3.5 Developing and sharing resources 16 3.6 Questionnaire and focus group participants 17 3.7 Ethical considerations 18 4. Findings and discussion 19 4.1 Practical challenges and support 19 4.1.1 Impact on finances 19 4.1.2 Independent living 21 4.1.3 Practical support 22 4.1.4 Support with education 23 4.1.5 Support with children 24 4.2 Mental health and wellbeing 25 4.2.1 Impact on mental health and wellbeing 26 4.2.2 Exacerbating existing mental health problems 27 4.2.3 Support with mental health and wellbeing 28 4.2.4 Self-help for mental health and wellbeing 30 4.3 Connection and loneliness 31 4.3.1 Impact on connection and loneliness 32 4.3.2 Covid-19 restrictions to social life 33 4.3.3 Support with feeling connected 34 4.3.4 The importance of support bubbles 36 4.4 Support from services 37 4.4.1 Support from Leaving Care Services 37 4.4.2 Involvement and participation teams 39 4.4.3 The need for better support 39 4.4.4 Support from others 41 5. Recommendations and conclusions 43 5.1 To inform you 43 5.2 To support you 44 5.3 To respect and honour your identity 46 5.4 To listen to you 47 5.5 Recommendations and action 48 5.6 Conclusion 51 6. References 52