Young adult carers are the focus of a new campaign between the Scottish Government and Young Scot to raise awareness of what support they could be entitled to.
Launched today, the social media and digital campaign will aim to reach carers aged
16-
An estimated 49,000 young people in Scotland are carers.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said: “Carers make an immense contribution to our society. Their dedication and commitment to caring for loved ones – often making significant personal sacrifices to do so – deserves our thanks and respect.
Young adult carers urged to claim allowance
12 June 2017
“That is why this government is committed to doing all we can to help carers. Whether it is strengthening the rights of carers through legislation, committing to increasing the Carer’s Allowance with our new social security powers, or working with our partners to raise awareness with carers of how they can access the support they’re entitled to.
“The UK benefit system continues to fail in making sure that all those entitled to support know that they are and know how to get it. Young adult carers in particular are in that group and should not have the added worry of financial pressures along with their caring responsibilities.
Lauren Baigrie, 18, a young carer from Falkirk, said: “Being a young carer isn’t always an everyday thing. My mum has good days and bad days and days in between. Some days my mum relies on me a lot, other days she doesn’t need me at all. It’s always been like that, ever since I can remember.
“Being a young carer has at times been tough, it’s impacted my life in many ways, I’m really good at organising my time but sometimes try to fit too much into it, I’ve learned to be independent but have sometimes missed out on normal time with my mum, I manage money well and I am really switched on to current affairs.
“My social life has been restricted but I think I’m making real efforts to change that. Being a carer for me is part of who I am, it’s part of my identity and I wouldn’t change it.”