“A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.”

It is estimated that there are 29,000 young carers in Scotland.

The Young Scot website has lots of brilliant advice for young people who take on a caring role.  You don’t need to be registered as a Young Carer to access this advice and support. Visit the website here: https://young.scot/campaigns/national/young-carers

On the website, you can find out more about what an average day in the life of a young carer might involve, and about the supports which are available to you. You might be able to apply for a one-off grant (money) or a regular allowance:

https://young.scot/get-informed/national/young-carer-grant

https://young.scot/get-informed/national/how-to-apply-for-carers-allowance

Young Scot have also brought out a new carers package featuring a range of experiences and opportunities from cinema tickets to first aid training. Young carers can now access these special range of opportunities – totally for free!

https://young.scot/get-informed/national/young-carers-package-of-opportunities

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As a school we work very closely with our local carers centre. We can help you make contact with the centre, and see what supports they can offer. This could include completing a  “Young Carers Statement”.  Take a look at the booklet below which provides lots of helpful information.

Young Carers Information Booklet

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Here is a list of websites which you can visit for help and support.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: website provides information for carers and where your local centres are. https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/your-health/health-services/carers/information-for-carers/local-support/local-services/

Carers’ Charter: to help carers understand their rights under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 https://www.gov.scot/publications/carers-charter/

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland: working for the human rights for children and young people living in Scotland.  https://cypcs.org.uk/rights/

Carers Scotland: part for Carers’ UK which provides information and advice and links to carers’ centres across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. https://www.carersuk.org/scotland