Extra support for young carers

Young carers aged 11-18 are to benefit from a new nationwide Young Scot package of discounts and opportunities.

The offers have been designed by young carers themselves with extra discounts available at certain stores and leisure venues as well as other opportunities, such as free cinema tickets and CV advice.

The Young Scot project is the first element of a wider package of support announced in September 2017 by the First Minister that also includes the forthcoming Young Carer Grant and free bus travel for recipients of the grant.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited Dundee Carers Centre to launch the package. She said:

“This government has always been committed to improving carers' rights and providing them with the support and extra help they deserve.

“We want as many young carers as possible to access these discounts and opportunities which will enable them to enjoy themselves and look after their own health and wellbeing. I would encourage young carers to sign up through the Young Scot website to make the most of these offers.”

Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot said:

“Young carers make an extraordinary contribution to individual lives and our communities. So we are delighted to be able to support young people with caring responsibilities across Scotland through a package co-designed and piloted directly with them.

"The fantastic range of additional discounts and opportunities will support young carers aged 11 – 18 to care for those important to them, develop as young people and to make the most of their free time."

Background

Young carers can find out more about the package and how to access it.

There are an estimated 44,000 young carers in Scotland (Scotland’s Carers, official publication, 2015).

Under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, young carers are defined as anyone under the age of 18 (or 18 and still at school) who provides (or intends to provide) care for someone else.