Festival-goers share how Young Carer Grant has helped them
Paying for driving lessons, horse-riding and buying a new laptop for college were just some of the things young carers have been able to do using their Young Carer Grant.
We heard this and more from young carers attending this year’s Scottish Young Carers Festival held at Fordell Firs Scout Centre in Dunfermline.
The festival, now in its 18th year and organised by Carers Trust Scotland, enabled over 500 young carers from across the country to come together, take a break, have fun and be heard.
Representatives from Social Security Scotland brought information and interactive games to the event which enjoyed glorious sunshine. It’s a chance to meet young carers, hear more about their experience of caring and share details on the social security support available.
Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, attended the event, and was given the opportunity to tour the site, meet with young carers and take part in some of the activities.
She said: “The Scottish Young Carers Festival is a fantastic opportunity for Government ministers to speak directly to young carers to find out about what’s important to them and what they think the government should be doing to support them.
“We know from speaking to young carers that there’s a lot of things that their friends do that they might miss out on because of their caring role. We are really keen to make sure that young carers get the support they need and Young Carer Grant is one part of that.
“During the event I heard how young carers have used their grant, for hobbies, treats and days out. These are some of the things they wouldn’t be able to do if the Scottish Government wasn’t providing that additional support.”
In the marketplace area, young festival-goers were able to find out further information on our carer payments, take part in fun games as well as share more on how the Young Carer Grant, an annual payment of over £390, has made a difference to them.
Young carer, Zara, who attended the festival added: “I think the grant is really beneficial as it enables me to have a little bit of freedom without having to depend on my mum or dad.”
Social Security Scotland delivers three payments available for young carers -Young Carer Grant, Carer Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
You can also access shareable resources to help raise awareness of the help available for young carers across your communications channels and networks. These are available below:
- Young Carer Grant Social Security Scotland - Young Carer Grant Resources
- Carer Support Payment Social Security Scotland - Carer Support Payment Resources
- Carer’s Allowance Supplement Social Security Scotland - Carer's
