£300,000 in funding is being given to support young carers in Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed this afternoon.
The money comes from the £350m communities funding to support people and communities affected by Covid-19, and coincides with National Carers Week, which runs from tomorrow (May8) until next Sunday (May 14).
Scotland's national youth information service Young Scot will receive £200,000 to provide online subscriptions and e-vouchers for young carers.
While £100,000 will go to expanding the 'Time To Live' small grants scheme.
Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick said: “There are an estimated 29,000 young carers in Scotland making an invaluable contribution to society.
"However, many of them don’t get the same opportunities as their peers, due to having more responsibility and less free time.
“Many of those young people may be under even greater strain than usual, and not had a chance to take a break from caring due to the impact of coronavirus.
“That’s why we are providing this funding to support as many young carers as possible to access opportunities such as e-vouchers, subscription packages and short breaks that can help improve their quality of life during this time.
“This is in addition to our Young Carer Grant of £305 per year. Anyone aged between 16 and 18 years old who spends more than 16 hours per week caring for a person in receipt of certain disability benefits can apply – and I would encourage them to do so.
“And young carers can access these new opportunities via the Young Scot website and their local carers centre.”
