Young carers have been urged to seek support if they are struggling to cope with the impact of the coronavirus lockdown.
Fears have been raised for the mental health of those looking after family members during the crisis.
A support group revealed yesterday that some youngsters are now providing care for more than 90 hours a week.
And a survey has highlighted the shocking toll of isolation on young carers during the pandemic.
Figures from the Carers Trust Scotland reveal that 71 per cent of young carers and 85 per cent of young adult carers questioned are now more worried about the future following the Covid-19 crisis.
Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre has increased the level of support available in response to the crisis.
Manager Claudine Brindle told the Standard: “Around six per cent of young carers and 11 per cent of young adult carers say they are now caring for around 90 hours a week plus.
“Our biggest concern moving forward is the emotional impact this is going to have on all carers – particularly young carers and young adult carers.”
Most have coped admirably with their duties but there are still additional fears.
Claudine added: “These carers have been removed from their peer group and their education, which is often their break away from the situation, and there are worries over how they get back into that and the levels of anxiety there.
“Our service has continued to operate and we have supported lots of people with worries and concerns but we have had a number of young carers and young adult carers who have required a little bit more intensive support like phone calls and video calls and making sure they have someone to talk to.”
The Carers Trust Scotland survey revealed that 58 per cent of young carers say their education has suffered as a result and 42 per cent of young adult carers report being unable to take a break from caring because of the pandemic.
And 45 per cent of young carers and 68 per cent of young adults say their mental health has worsened as a direct result of the outbreak.
Efforts to support young carers in Dumfries and Galloway have continued despite the pandemic, but those tasked with supporting them fear the situation has taken its toll on all carers.
Claudine said: “We have tried to provide things that can help them take a break. Some services normally provided to help carers, like respite, haven’t been going ahead and some young people have been worried about their education.
“We did envisage right at the start we might end up with some very serious situations where we would have to involve social work but we haven’t had as many of those as we thought.
“What is important is that anyone who is struggling knows that they can come to us and that support is available.”
The agency has even handed out small grants to allow carers to buy hobby equipment like arts and crafts, gardening or exercise supplies to offer them an outlet from their caring role.
Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre at Nith Street, Dumfries, can be contacted by calling 01387 248600 or by emailing info@dgalcarers.org or visiting the website at www.dgalcarers.co.uk.
