Who are Scotland’s Young Carers?

Young carers are children and young people from all sorts of families and backgrounds who help to look after someone in their family who is ill elderly, frail, has a disability, is experiencing mental distress or is affected by substance abuse or HIV/AIDS.

Young carers are different in that they may be providing care which is inappropriate for their age.  Young carers have to balance the challenges of growing up, being at school, and the transition from school whilst they continue caring.  This can mean that they miss out on the opportunities enjoyed by their peers. It also means that they can face additional barriers when leaving school and trying to find work, take up training or move onto college or university.

Young carers often provide emotional support to other family members as well as the person they are caring for

Key Facts

The 2001 Census found 16,701 young carers in Scotland, but the Scottish Government's Public Health Minister, Shona Robison, said in June 2008 that there were “probably more than 100,000”. The 100,000 figure is increasingly accepted and is backed by local studies.

• There are approximately 40,000 to 50,000 young people whose lives are affected by substance/alcohol misuse – substantial numbers will have a caring role for their parents, for siblings and others.
• The Scottish Young Carers’ Services Alliance provides support to approx. 3,500 carers.
• Over 20% of young carers provide 30-39 hours per week providing care and support. 

• 70% say that caring makes their life more difficult

No local authorities could provide estimates of young carers receiving support however a Princess Royal Trust for Carers mapping exercise, funded by the Scottish Government provided some estimates.  Click here for these figures (go to Appendix 2)