Mum of three shares her caring story to son Ellis

Across Scotland there are thousands of unpaid carers supporting family members, friends, and neighbours every day.

This support comes in many forms, including food shopping, cooking meals, using the shower, helping with medication, providing transport or just keeping someone company so they don’t feel alone.

Many carers don’t even recognise themselves as a carer; they feel they are simply doing what a family or friend would naturally do.

Mum of three Lorna Leggatt lives in Strathaven with her youngest son 26-year-old Ellis, who has additional support needs. She shares details of when she first realised she was both a mum and carer.

“When Ellis was younger, I didn’t really consider myself as a carer. There was so much early intervention through school and health services. He’d attend school Monday to Friday, receive speech therapy and physiotherapy, go to school clubs etc.

“It wasn’t until Ellis left high school that it became more apparent that I was perhaps doing more than some other parents.

“Ellis can’t just jump in a car and go out and about on his own. He needs more care than a typical 26-year-old. He attends college, loves theatre and going to the cinema, all the usual things for a person his age. The difference is I facilitate it. I’ll help with getting ready before we head out, I’ll drive him to where he needs to go, making sure I’m there for him whenever he needs me.”

In 2019, Lorna sadly lost her husband who was also Ellis’ dad. Supporting Ellis as a single parent led to an increase in Lorna’s caring role. This is when she learned of the financial support available for carers.

“Supporting someone with additional support needs is like having a job, and the financial support I received after my husband died became more important. My daily routine revolves around Ellis and any extra help goes a long way.

“I encourage anyone who feels they carry out the role of an unpaid carer to find out more about the financial help available.”

Carer Support Payment has replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. It recognises the vital contribution of unpaid carers. Eligible people can receive £83.30 per week.

To be eligible, carers need to be 16 or over and provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. The carer also needs to earn less than £196 per week after tax, National Insurance and expenses.

To find out more about Carer Support Payment visit mygov.scot/carer-support-payment or call 0800 182 2222.