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Chamber and committees

Question reference: S6W-29022

  • Asked by: Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern, Alba Party
  • Date lodged: 9 August 2024
  • Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 4 September 2024

Question

To ask the Scottish Government for what reason young carers below the age of 11 do not have access to the Young Carers Package or an analogous scheme, and what support is in place instead.


Answer

As set out in our National Carers Strategy, the Scottish Government recognises the importance of young carers being identified so that they can be supported in achieving their educational and wider goals.

Under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, local authorities and Health and Social Care Partnerships are responsible for supporting young carers of all ages. Much of this support is delivered on their behalf by local third sector young carer projects and carer centres, and can include counselling, peer support groups and short break opportunities.

Young carers can also benefit from Scottish Government funded voluntary sector short breaks delivered through four national schemes – ‘Better Breaks’, ‘Creative Breaks’, ‘Time to Live’ and ‘Take a Break Scotland’.

In respect of the Young Carers Package, this is delivered on our behalf by Young Scot through their wider platform for children and young people. Young Scot Membership accounts are limited to young people age 12+, and the content of the package is designed for those aged between 12 and 18.

11 year old young carers can access a limited offline version of the package by completing a short form. Through this they will receive a £50 Love 2 Shop voucher which they can use to access a range of retailers. This is designed to provide a taste of what the package is like and encourage young carers to sign up to the full package once they turn 12.

We would encourage all young carers (including those under 11) and their families to contact their local young carer service, and to also speak with their schools about additional support they can offer.

We fund an Education Officer at Carers Trust Scotland, who works with Education Scotland, the General Teaching Council for Scotland and the Scottish Qualification Authority to help ensure education staff are aware of young carers and are able to support them appropriately. This has included producing a free and accredited e-module for all education staff to help them better understand how they can identify and support young carers.

Additionally, school nurses also have young carers as one of their 10 priorities. Once a young carer is referred to a school nurse with concerns, the school nurse may complete a GIRFEC wellbeing assessment, support referrals onto specialist services when needed and support with transitions.