Young Carers
Am I a Young Carer?
If you are a young person, aged between 8 and 18, who helps to look after your mum, dad, brother, sister or grandparent, who needs your help due to disability, illness, frailty or addiction – you’re a young carer.
All young carers roles are different, for example, you might provide help with practical household tasks or emotional support. Being a young carer might mean that you don’t have time to spend with your friends or enjoy family time, for example, going on day trips.
What Support is Available?
Depending on individual need, the Carers Centre provides the following types of support for young carers aged 8 – 18 in Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire:
Group Support
A range of monthly groups, which give young carers a break from their caring role for a short period of time and the opportunity to meet other young carers of a similar age who can understand how they feel.
We offer many different activities at the groups such as sports and games, and arts and crafts, which are often delivered by outside facilitators.
The groups aim to enable young carers to have fun, enjoy themselves, and experience opportunities similar to their peers.
One to One support
If there is an identified need, one to one support can be provided for a short period of time for young carers who are struggling with a particular issue, for example, a lack of understanding about a health condition or illness, lack of self-esteem or confidence.
Befriending
Volunteer befrienders can be linked with young carers to enable them to participate in a range of activities, such as: bowling, cinema, ice skating, meals etc., which can increase self-esteem and general wellbeing and provide a break from their caring role.