Young Carers

"Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide, or intend to provide care, assistance or support to another family member. They carry out often on a regular basis, significant or substantial caring tasks and assume a level of responsibility which would usually be associated with an adult."

(Blackwell's Encyclopedia of Social Work)

There are an estimated 51,000 young carers in the UK, and their average age is 12.

Do you look after someone who:

  • has an illness
  • has a learning disability
  • has mental health difficulties
  • is an older person
  • has a physical disability
  • is frail
  • has an alcohol or drugs related problem

Do you sometimes:

  • have less time to socialise with friends
  • have difficulty finishing homework on time
  • have difficulty concentrating while at school
  • feel singled out at school
  • feel isolated and afraid to tell friends about your role
  • feel entirely responsible for the person in your care

Then we can offer you help, support, advice and assistance.

Your needs matter and we want to hear from you.

Call your local Social Care service now: 01595 744400

Young carers often help with matters such as personal hygiene, medication, cooking, cleaning, mobility, sibling care, shopping, etc and sometimes their caring role extends to listening to and counseling the person in their care.

This is a difficult and stressful responsibility for many young people.

Social Care Services recognise the particular problems which can affect young carers.

As a young person living in Scotland, you may have certain rights. It is important that you understand and exercise those rights.

These include your right to:

  • be heard
  • an assessment of your needs
  • a full-time education
  • your own space
  • be a young person sometimes free of caring responsibilities

Your views and needs will be considered when decisions are being made about issues which affect you.

If you would like help or advice or someone to talk to, contact your Guidance Teacher, or your local Social Care Service: 01595 744421

There is a young carers website at: www.thesite.org.uk