Young carers and young adult carers

Overview How you help What you might need support for Getting help and support Getting a break Young adult carers Support and information

Getting a break

You’re probably also going to school, college, university or work, so you’ve a lot to cope with. It’s very important you get the chance to have fun and get a break from your caring responsibilities. Social services should be able to organise this for you.

If you care for a brother or sister but aren’t the ‘main’ carer – that is, another relative is doing a lot of the care – you can get overlooked, but it’s still important for you to have time away from caring. Young carers’ services often provide opportunities for breaks too.

Shared Care Scotland can also give you information on getting a break.

The Scottish young carers festival

The Scottish Young Carers Festival takes place every year and provides a chance for young carers to have a break from their caring role, meet other young carers, take part in consultation and most importantly, have fun.

To take part in Festival you need to be accompanied by an adult such as a young carer worker, youth worker, teacher or social worker.