Young Carers
There are an estimated 44,000 young carers in Scotland aged under 18. If you think your child may be a young carer please contact your child’s PCS teacher or ask them to speak to their PCS teacher.
Who is a young carer?
“If you look after someone else who needs support as a result of their illness (including physical, mental health, and substance misuse), condition or disability you are a carer. It does not matter how many hours you spend looking after them. If you are also under 18 or still at school you are a young carer.” Carers (Scotland) Act 2016.
What type of things do young carers do?
- Looking after their mum or dad, brother or sister, a grandparent, or another family member.
- Cooking and cleaning, nursing or personal care, shopping, managing medication, keeping someone company, listening to worries and providing emotional support.
What support is available?
- You can contact your child’s PCS teacher to ask about a Young Carer Statement. This is a document that is prepared with the young person that includes information about them as a person, their caring role and their goals. Discussions take place regarding what support the young person needs to continue their caring role and meet their goals.
- A referral can be made to Angus Young Carers service for additional support. Family members or a young person can contact them directly or this referral can be made as part of the young carer statement - http://www.angusyoungcarers.org.uk/young-carer.html
- Young Scot offer a Young Carers package which can be applied for online. Speak to PCS teacher for support to sign up or follow the instructions in this link -https://young.scot/get-informed/national/how-to-sign-up-for-the-young-carers-package
Further details on the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 and information on the young carer role can be found here: