Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, is raising awareness on help for young carers that is only available in Scotland.  

Speaking this afternoon, Keith said:

“The Young Carer Grant was introduced in 2019 by the Scottish Government and, to date, has delivered over £3 million in support to over 6,600 teenage carers across the country.

“However, there is a real concern that young people may be missing out on help because they don’t even realise that they are carers.  I am highlighting this issue because I do not want any young person in my constituency to miss out on help that is available and to which they are entitled.

“There could be lots of young people caring for a relative, friend or member of their community here in the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency who are part of the large number of people, around 25% – that is 1 in 4 – of those eligible for Young Carer Grant in 2022-23 who did not apply.  

“I urge anyone in my constituency who is aged 16, 17 or 18 who looks after someone else in any way to check whether they might be eligible for Young Carer Grant and to apply if they are. It’s money they’re entitled to and it could be real help.

“Many young carers see what they do as ‘just helping out’ or ‘part of family life’. They may even regard it as expected as part of their culture. But it is vital that all young carers know about their rights, what support they are entitled to and that they are able to have a life alongside their caring responsibilities.”