This page provides information and resources for Young Carers and practitioners who support them.
In Scotland, the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 has given all Carers a heightened profile and an opportunity to receive the support that they need and deserve. A 'jargon buster’ version of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 is also available to read here.
Young Carers are likely to be one of the biggest single groups of children in need. Estimates suggest that in a city the size of Aberdeen, there may be up to 2000 children and young people aged between 5 to 18 years who undertake caring responsibilities for a family member or close friend.
Caring for another person is a complex but not always a negative experience for children and young people. Young Carers in Aberdeen City have told us that they feel very proud about their caring responsibilities. Young Carers make a significant contribution to their families and the impact of their caring role on their own lives can be considerable and not always negative. Understandably, some Young Carers are anxious about the person they care for, and this can adversely affect their own wellbeing, while others access restricted experiences, and these restrictions can compromise their educational progress and health.
Carers Strategy
Aberdeen Health & Social Care Partnership have published a Carers Strategy which acknowledges the huge contribution that Carers make and seeks to support all unpaid Carers in Aberdeen City.
There is a Carers Strategy summary version and the Carers Strategy on YouTube.
The Young Carers Toolkit
The Young Carers Toolkit includes approaches to help Practitioners identify and support Young Carers. Following the best practice described in the Toolkit will result in a better-informed workforce across partnership services and improved outcomes for all Young Carers in Aberdeen.
Please click on the links below to download the Young Carers Toolkit resources:
- What is a Young Carers Statement? (PDF)
- Young Carers Statement - Part 1 (Word template)
- Young Carers Statement - Part 1 Guidance (PDF)
- Young Carers Statement - Part 2 (Word template)
- Young Carers Statement - Part 2 Guidance (PDF)
- Your Data - Young Carers - How we use your information (PDF)
- Your Data - Parents and others - How we use your information (PDF)
Information and Support for Young Carers
Barnardo’s: Aberdeen Young Carers
Barnardo’s: Aberdeen Young Carers support children and young people up to the age of 18 within Aberdeen City who care for a relative, friend, or neighbour who may have physical health needs, emotional care needs or require practical help. Barnardo’s Aberdeen offer Young Carers one-to-one, group, financial and signposting opportunities plus much more. This support is offered to allow a life alongside caring, reduce the impact of caring and improve mental health and wellbeing of the Young Carer.
To register with the service, please complete the following short registration/referral form and e-mail it to AberdeenYoungCarers@barnardos.org.uk:
View their website or contact them to find out more:
-
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/aberdeen-young-carers
- 01224 624090
- AberdeenYoungCarers@barnardos.org.uk
- Barnardos
20 Carden Place
ABERDEEN
Aberdeenshire
AB10 1UQ
Other resources
- Aberdeen Community Health and Care Village carerspoint
- Scottish Government: Young Carers support
- Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 – Jargon Buster for Young Carers
Young Carer Grant
In recognition of the invaluable contribution that young carers make to society the Cabinet Secretary for Social Security, Ms Somerville MSP, announced that Social Security Scotland would start to deliver the new Young Carer Grant 21 October 2019.
The Young Carer Grant is a yearly cash payment for 16-18 year olds which carers can spend as they choose. Young carers can claim if they are at school, in further education, employed or unemployed and may be eligible if they meet all of the following criteria:
- they live in Scotland
- they are 16, 17 or 18 years of age when applying
- caring for an average of 16 hours per week, over a 13 week period
- care for someone normally paid a qualifying disability benefit
- they have not applied for or receive Carer’s Allowance
- they are not paid or volunteer to care
Young carers can apply online at https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant or through the Freephone helpline at 0800 182 2222. The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. A paper application will also be available and can be requested via the helpline or downloaded direct from https://www.mygov.scot/benefits/.
Young Carers Package- Rewards, Discounts and Opportunities
Young Carers aged 11 to 18 can apply for the Young Scot Young Carers Package that includes vouchers, subscriptions and discounts that change regularly. Young Carers can sign up with a Young Scot card at https://young.scot/get-informed/national/young-carers-package. Those aged 11 will need to complete the online form.
SVQ
Young Carers in Aberdeen City can undertake an SVQ relating to their caring role that is supported by the Barnardo’s Young Carers Service. It is recommended for pupils in S3 above and also offered to Adults Carers of the service. Get in touch with Barnardo’s: Aberdeen Young Carers.
Young Carers of terminally ill cared-for persons
New timescales were set in the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 for young carers who are caring for people who are terminally ill that came into force on 31st July 2021. The key changes are that the local authority must offer these young carers a substantive/first conversation to identify any immediate or urgent needs for support within five working days of a Young Carer being identified as a young carer of a cared-for person who is terminally ill. Thereafter, a full Young Carers Statement should be completed within 10 working days of the substantive/first conversation.