A new strategy designed to support Dundee’s army of young carers is set to be launched.
The scheme will target primary and secondary pupils who have key caring roles at home.
‘A Caring Dundee 2021-24’ will be signed off by councillors at a meeting on Monday.
Since new legislation in 2018, the number of young carers identified and receiving support across Dundee has increased from 65 in September 2018, to 208 in August 2019 and 298 in August 2020.
By September 2021, 483 young carers were identified in schools.
In one particularly moving case-study, the report highlights the experience of a young carer looking after their single parent who is suffering from cancer.
The young person was able to speak to staff in school and receive support from the Carers Centre and is now acting as a Young Ambassador to help pupils facing similar challenges.
The committee will also be told of some significant developments including:
- 31 Young Carer Ambassadors now act as volunteers to inform and contribute towards approaches in every secondary school, alongside Carers Centre and school staff.
- Young Carers co-produced a new leaflet to assist other Young Carers and their families to self-identify. This is now available in all schools and on the Carers of Dundee Website.
- Co-production of peer education resources to deliver awareness raising sessions in primary schools and a new resource pack.
- Peer support groups for Young Carers are now run jointly by Ambassadors and staff in all secondary schools and most primary schools.
Depute convener of the committee Councillor Roisin Smith said: “I am pleased to see that this new strategy takes forward support for young carers for the next few years.
“We have come a long way to provide more assistance to these young people and we cannot be complacent.”
She added: “Partners met the various challenges that were thrown up by the pandemic and especially lockdown, and I believe that we have to learn from these experiences for the future.
“Young carers experience unique challenges in their lives, we must do all we can to help them make the most of their education and move on to new opportunities.”
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