Supporting Young Carers

Almost a year ago, the Carers’ Leave Act, a Private Members Bill I took through Parliament, came into force. It entitles unpaid carers to take leave from their work in order to manage caring responsibilities. Two weeks ago, I hosted a policy roundtable with the Centre for Care where employers and employees described the difficulties they face balancing work and their caring responsibilities. But it’s not only those old enough to be in employment who are carers. There are 30,000 young carers under the age of 18 across Scotland, and they need support too.

At the Scottish Liberal Democrats' conference in Inverness this weekend [4-6th April], I will set out proposals to create a Young Carers’ Lead in every school who can provide practical and emotional support to better help young carers balance education and caring for their loved one. 

If the policy is backed by party members, the motion will form part of the party’s manifesto for the Scottish Parliament election next year. The plans call on the Scottish Government to work with authorities to assign a ‘Young Carers’ Lead’ in every school and college to provide support to young carers, as well as advice and training to teaching colleagues on how to best support pupils who are young carers.

The policy would also ensure a review of the data the Government holds for young carers in education and how to improve it, as well as working with local authorities and others to ensure that young carers are aware of and can access all the support they are entitled to.

Our Federal Party leader Ed Davey has spoken movingly about his experience as a young carer looking after his mother after she was diagnosed with cancer. Many young carers struggle to balance school and their caring responsibilities. Too often they feel that there is no one they can turn to for advice and support. These proposals would give them a designated staff member in school who would serve as a point of contact. Someone who knows them, who understands the challenges they face, and can provide the tangible support needed.

From my engagement with local organisations such as Fife Young Carers, I know how important support is in enabling young carers to reach their full potential in both education and in relation to their future employment prospects. This policy offers the opportunity to do just that.