A delegation from Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) visited Manchester Met to learn about the uni’s expertise in supporting children who are carers.
The delegation’s visit was all to learn about how the University and the wider city-region are undertaking work to support children who provide care for parents and family.
Tokyo Metropolitan visits Manchester met
Professor Saul Becker, a world expert on young carers, hosted the delegation at Manchester Met and across the city.
Professor Becker’s work in this field and his policy proposals have been celebrated and widely reported in Japanese media.
The TMG has been in regular contact with Prof Becker to discuss how they can identify, respond to and support young carers in Japan, where as many as one in 10 children may have a caring role.
The visit involved a series of masterclasses with Prof Becker and other world-leading researchers from the university. Young carers from Manchester and Cheshire, Manchester City Council Directors of services, practitioners from local organisations and the Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester also had sessions with the delegation from Japan.
‘Fantastic opportunity’ to engage
To mark the visit, the delegation attended a dinner, hosted by Manchester Met Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malcolm Press.
Prof Becker said: “We were delighted to spend two days hosting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, giving them insights into the hidden world of young carers, and how to identify and develop policies and services to meet their needs.
“Manchester is a leading region in this field, so this visit was a fantastic opportunity for the TMG to listen and engage with University academics and city policy makers and practitioners about our advanced work in this field.
“Because of the overlapping challenges facing young carers in Tokyo and Manchester, the TMG is keen to keep communicating with both Manchester Met and Manchester City Council. Our approach is positive and collaborative as we work together to support these young people both here and in Japan.”
Following the visit, the delegation acknowledged their work with young carers in Japan should be based on real-world experiences as expressed directly by young carers.
A spokesperson from TMG said: “We must see the world and what is needed through the eyes of young carers themselves.”