A local service which supports young people has been given a helping hand by another network which supports the older generation.
Representatives from the West Lothian 50+ Network presented a cheque for £200 to West Lothian Young Carers, a service which supports youngsters aged between eight and 18 years who live in West Lothian.
The young people take on the responsibility for helping to look after someone (usually a family member) who has a long-term illness, disability, mental health problem or substance misuse issue.
West Lothian 50+ Network committee members Sue Bedford-Visser, Sheila Linscer and Allan Dungavel went along to Young Carers’ Livingston offices to find out more about the service, which had been voted by Network members to be the recipient of the Network’s ‘Coin Jar’ (in which members donate their loose change) charity for 2018-2019.
Wilma Murray, senior development worker, who accepted the cheque on behalf of West Lothian Young Carers, explained that as many as one in 12 young people are taking on caring responsibilities.
She said: “The type of support we offer will depend on the young carer’s age and unique family circumstances, but it ranges from one to one support, peer support groups, school support, information and advice, counselling and short break funds.
There are three different groups for young carers to meet others. We have a Junior Group, a Senior Group and a group for those who are 16+. In total West Lothian Young Carers work with around 150 young people in a year.”
West Lothian 50+ Network is a volunteer-led membership organisation which runs a wide range of activities – over 35 different interest groups – to help older people stay fit and healthy whilst socialising with others. To find out more about the West Lothian 50+ Network, phone 01506 635510.
More information about West Lothian Young Carers can be found on their website at https://carers-westlothian.com or phone 01506 448000.
