{"id":856,"date":"2024-12-17T14:45:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T14:45:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/transnational-families\/?p=856"},"modified":"2025-02-11T15:28:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T15:28:59","slug":"launch-of-the-care-inequalities-and-wellbeing-in-transnational-families-in-europe-report-event-highlights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.reading.ac.uk\/transnational-families\/launch-of-the-care-inequalities-and-wellbeing-in-transnational-families-in-europe-report-event-highlights\/","title":{"rendered":"Launch of the Care, Inequalities, and Wellbeing in Transnational Families in Europe Report – Event Highlights"},"content":{"rendered":"

The launch of our Care, Inequalities, and Wellbeing in Transnational Families in Europe<\/em> report was held on 5th November 2024 at the Reading International Solidarity Centre, bringing together community leaders, practitioners, councillors and staff from Reading Borough Council, community researchers and the research team to discuss findings from this in-depth, multi-country study. This collaborative research explores the intersections of caregiving, inequality, and wellbeing among migrant families in the UK, Spain, France, and Sweden. The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glen Dennis gave the opening welcome to the event, emphasising that migration and caregiving are closely linked in local communities. He noted that, however, that migrant carers often face multiple barriers when accessing services, which require understanding, compassion, and policy attention.<\/p>\n

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Councillor Glen Dennis, Mayor of Reading giving welcome speech<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Councillor Glen Dennis giving the welcome speech<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Key messages from the report were presented \u00a0by lead researcher, Professor Ruth Evans, followed by a screening of a film, Language and Interpretation Needs in Accessing Healthcare<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, co-produced by the project, and a panel discussion with responses from key local leaders. Two further films on Young Caregiving in Transnational Families<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and Addressing Barriers to English for Speakers of Other Languages Classes<\/em><\/strong><\/a> were also screened and discussed at the event.<\/p>\n

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Professor Ruth Evans presenting the research findings<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Study findings<\/strong><\/p>\n

This research highlights the complex realities faced by transnational families who are often separated across borders while managing caregiving responsibilities.<\/p>\n

The report highlights how\u00a0 middle-generation family members often \u00a0care for both younger and older generations \u00a0without adequate support where there are specific care needs. For many families, geographic separation from extended relatives increases the reliance on immediate family members. While older family members sometimes move between countries to help with short-term childcare, middle-generation family members often face simultaneous responsibilities of caring for children, elderly parents, and disabled family members.<\/p>\n

A key theme emerging across all the study locations was the role of young people as \u2018language and digital brokers\u2019 in families; they assist older generations to \u00a0navigate healthcare, social and welfare services, and other critical resources. Young family members may \u00a0translate complex medical and legal information for their parents and grandparents, providing vital support. However, this intermediary role can lead to stress, confidentiality concerns, and a sense of isolation for young carers, who may not be recognised formally as caregivers and lack access to\u00a0 support.<\/p>\n

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Presentation of policy recommendations<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In presenting the recommendations, Professor Evans called for urgent policy changes, including reducing barriers to family reunification, especially where there are care needs, improving access to accredited English language courses, recognising young caregiving and the transnational ties of migrant carers, and ensuring sustained funding for third sector \u00a0organisations supporting refugee and other migrant families. These recommendations \u00a0aim to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of public services, enhance wellbeing, and acknowledge the unique challenges faced by transnational caregivers.<\/p>\n

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Language and Interpretation Needs in Accessing Healthcare<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The presentation was followed by a screening of our film Language and Interpretation Needs in Accessing Healthcare<\/em><\/a>, based on the lived experiences of the research participants. The research team worked with family participants and Rank and File Theatre to devise and act out some of the situations and challenges that transnational families face.<\/p>\n