Young Carers
What is a young carer?
A young carer is someone who is under the age of 18 (or 18 and still at school) who supports a relative or friend with daily living needs. The person might need support because they have a physical or mental illness, disability or an addiction.
A young carer may help with:
- practical things, like cooking, cleaning and shopping
- physical care, like helping someone out of bed
- emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed
- personal care, such as helping someone dress or wash
- budgeting and managing money for the family
- collecting prescriptions at the pharmacy or GP surgery
- helping to give medicine
- helping someone communicate
- looking after siblings
The Scottish Government estimates that there are around 29,000 young carers in Scotland.
But this doesn't mean that all of them are claiming the support they're entitled to. So, if you recognise yourself as possibly being a young carer, find out how below how you can access a range of supports and help with your wellbeing.
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