Support for Young Carers in Moray

Support for young carers

Young carers are children and young people, age 18 and under, who provide, or intend to provide, care for another individual. The majority of young carers are undertaking a caring role for other members of their family (parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family) or friends. This may be due to the fact that the person they are providing that caring role for is ill or disabled including experiencing mental ill health issues, substance misuse or who has another long term health condition.

Caring can be very rewarding, but also hard work. Young carers may help with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, picking up medication, shopping or provide emotional support. Young carers often have to look after themselves too, and can find it difficult to keep up with school work, spend time with their friends and stay healthy. Sometimes young carers feel different from other children and young people and can feel very isolated.

Where can I Get Support?

Commissioned Carer Support Service

Quarriers Carer Support Service provide advice and support to young carers in Moray. Quarriers provide one to one support for young people with caring roles to ensure that their caring responsibilities are minimised and that they have the opportunity to access a full range of opportunities. This also includes information, support groups, and support for young carers about emergency planning, future planning, health and wellbeing, education and training, advocacy and young carer’s rights. You can use the link below or contact Quarriers to find out more information about the referral process.

https://carers.quarriers.org.uk/services/moray/

Contact Us

Quarriers Carer Support Service (Moray)
44 High Street
Elgin
IV30 1BU
01343 556031
carersmoray@quarriers.org.uk

The Carer (Scotland) Act 2016

In Scotland, the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 makes sure better and more consistent support for carers and young carers so they can continue to care, if they so wish, in better health and to have a life alongside caring. The Act defines the duty to support young carers and to offer a Young Carers Statement to all identified young carers and prepare a statement for those that take up this offer. In Moray support for young carers and the preparation of the Young Carers Statement will be a key part of the delivery of the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework.

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 explains some of the words and phrases in, or associated with, the Act.

https://carers.org/downloads/scotland-pdfs/carersscotlandact2016jargonbusterforyoungcarers.pdf

Duty To provide Support to Young Carers with Eligible Needs (The Carer (Scotland) Act 2016)

If you are a young carer you have a legal right to a Young Carers Statement if you wish. Your Quarriers family wellbeing worker will prepare the Young Carer Statement with you. The (YCS) will help you to identify your needs and personal outcomes. This outcomes focused conversation will support you to set out what supports you feel you need. If you have outstanding needs you may be eligible for further support. Support will be determined using local Eligibility Criteria. Following a conversation with the unpaid carer’s social worker the offer of carer funded support via Self Directed Support personal budget may be available to those young carers with the greatest need.

Further supports for young carers

Young Carer Grant

In recognition of the invaluable contribution that young carers make to society, young carers aged 16 to 18 in Scotland who do at least 16 hours of caring a week may be eligible for the Young Carer Grant. A yearly payment of over £300 to help improve young carer’s quality of life. Young carers can apply on line at https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant or through the Freephone helpline at 0800 182 222

Young Carers Package

All young carers aged 11 to 18 in Scotland are entitled to access a package of rewards, discounts and opportunities. The Young Scot Young Carers Package recognises the valuable role young cares play and supports them to make the most of their leisure time. The Young Carer Package can be accessed at https://young.scot/get-informed/national/young-carers-package

Young Scot Transition Bundle

The transition into young adulthood is an important time for every young person, especially young carers. In recognition of this time in a young carer’s life, a transition bundle is available to support. Young carers expressed flexibility was really important, so this £100 voucher can be exchanged for voucher(s) that can be used for anything you feel would support you during this time. Find out more about the transition pack at https://membership.young.scot/home/?opt=rewards/25aa63fb-b922-33ab-a064-938a00a99fce/Get-Your-100-Transitions-Pack

Young carers: support

Further Information and Support for Young Carers - https://www.mygov.scot/help-if-youre-a-carer/extra-support-for-young-carers.

Contact Us

Children and Families Access Team
01343 554370
childrensaccessteam@moray.gov.uk