At the start of Carers Week, which runs from Monday 08 to Sunday 14 June, the SNP Government has announced the allocation of £300,000 from the £350 million COVID-19 communities support fund to young carers.
Young Scot will receive £200,000 to provide online subscriptions and e-vouchers for young carers, while £100,000 will go to expanding the Time To Live small grants scheme.
Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick MSP said:
“There are an estimated 29,000 young carers in Scotland making an invaluable contribution to society. However, many of them don’t get the same opportunities as their peers, due to having more responsibility and less free time.
“Many of those young people may be under even greater strain than usual, and not had a chance to take a break from caring due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).
“That’s why we are providing this funding to support as many young carers as possible to access opportunities such as e-vouchers, subscription packages and short breaks that can help improve their quality of life during this time.
“This is in addition to our Young Carer Grant of £305 per year. Anyone aged between 16 and 18 years old who spends more than 16 hours per week caring for a person in receipt of certain disability benefits can apply – and I would encourage them to do so.
“And young carers can access these new opportunities via the Young Scot website and their local carers centre.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“During Carers Week we celebrate the work carers of all ages to across North Ayrshire and Scotland day in day out.
“For young people, being a carer means they are not always able to spend time with their friends and on hobbies as much as they would maybe like to, and they often display a sense of responsibility, loyalty and care that many adults could learn from.
“I think some extra support for these young carers is an excellent way to kick off Carers Week and I do hope all young carers aged 11-18 and take the opportunity to apply for the Young Scot package.
“The Time to Live small grants are available to young carers of any age through their the Unity North Ayrshire Carers Centre and eligible young carers can apply for the Young Carer Grant via the Social Security Scotland website.”
ENDS
