Young Carers in South Ayrshire celebrate major funding wins and award success
Young carers in South Ayrshire are celebrating a series of funding successes and national award recognition that highlight their extraordinary contribution to their families and communities.
South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has secured significant new funding to further enhance support for young carers across the area. These developments build on their ongoing commitment to ensuring that every young carer is recognised, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential.
The new investment includes £174,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, providing a full-time member of staff for three years, as well as funding for residentials, activities, and resources for young carers and their families.
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still said: "Every day National Lottery funding is changing the lives of thousands of people in communities across Scotland. This project delivered by South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many."
Additional funding of £35,000 in partnership with The Honeypot Children's Charity and £11,000 from The Outdoor Partnership Ayrshire will help deliver outdoor and adventurous activities for secondary-aged young carers through the Thrive Outdoors (TOP) adventure programme.
A spokesperson for The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire, said: "The Outdoor Partnership, Ayrshire, is delighted to collaborate with South Ayrshire Young Carers on The Thrive Outdoors,(TOP) adventure programme - made possible thanks to grant funding successfully gained from the Locality Planning Partnership. This year long programme gives young carers the chance to gain new skills, build confidence, and enjoy outdoor adventures in a supportive environment."
South Ayrshire Young Carers have also been recognised nationally for their innovation, collaboration, and creativity, achieving multiple awards and commendations including:
- APSE Awards: Runner up - Best Innovation or Demand Management Initiative and Runner up - Best Collaborative Working Initiative.
- National Children & Young People Awards: Highly Commended - Young Carers Award and Highly Commended - Partnership Working Award.
- Carers UK Awards: Winner - Standout Campaign for Carers Award.
- Great British Care Awards: Runner up - Co-Production Award.
- Great British Care Awards: Winner (Wee Carers) - Unpaid Carer Award (recognising young carers aged 5-11 who created Take Care of You - a short film project raising awareness, reducing stigma, and inspiring national change.)
- Scottish Public Services Awards: Shortlisted - Campaign of the Year Award (to be announced on 3 December at the Scottish Parliament).
South Ayrshire's Policy Lead for Health and Social Care, Councillor Hugh Hunter said, "We are immensely proud of the achievements of our young carers and the teams who support them. These awards and funding successes are a testament to their resilience, creativity, and determination to make a difference for others. This recognition ensures we can continue to invest in meaningful opportunities that empower young carers to thrive in all aspects of their lives."
South Ayrshire HSCP continues to work closely with schools, community organisations, and local partners to raise awareness of young carers' needs and ensure they have access to the right support, at the right time.
For more information about support for young carers in South Ayrshire, visit: https://hscp.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/YoungCarers
