A Study to Co-produce a Young Carers App

This study will co-produce and pilot-test a mobile phone App and a booklet, with input from local secondary schools and carer support groups to develop and pilot-test the App, in order to ensure it is designed to meet young people's needs. This App will serve to increase knowledge, information and provide strong links for young carers and local support available.This is a mixed methods study, using a transformative design. A transformative approach centres on users' needs and uses their experiences to shape how the App will look (in this case, uses are young carers). Carers will co-produce the App and booklet. The study will explore how a free app-based online support tool can help enhance support for young carers. Young carers have been involved since the outset and drove this planned study.

Inclusion Criteria: * School children from nominated schools in Hertfordshire (stage 1) * Ability to provide informed consent (consent processes/literature will be age appropriate 11-17) (stage 2) * Able to complete questionnaires (stage 2) Exclusion Criteria: * Does not speak or understand English * Lacks mental capacity * Young carers outside Hertfordshire