Edinburgh Young Carers

Service Provision

Edinburgh Young Carers is a voluntary organisation that provides respite and support to young people between the ages of 5 and 25 who care for somebody at home. We aim to improve the lives and wellbeing of young carers by raising awareness, offering emotional and practical support and by giving each young person the opportunity to take a break from their caring role and have fun in a friendly, supportive environment where they can be themselves and leave worries behind.

Do you look after someone who suffers from:

• Mental health problems?
• Disability?
• Chronic ill-health?
• Drug and alcohol use?

The type of caring responsibilities a young person has, will vary depending on the needs and circumstances of the person they care for. Unfortunately, most young carers go unnoticed or unrecognised, until there is a crisis.

What is the impact of being a young carer?

• Emotional wellbeing: Putting other people’s needs first, being worried, anxious or stressed. Having feelings of guilt, anger, being trapped, isolated and being misunderstood.
• Physical wellbeing: Suffering from pains or strains from heavy lifting or helping someone to wash or dress, or feeling unwell.
• Social skills: Little or no free time to meet up with friends. Feeling isolated and lacking confidence.
• Schooling: Difficulties concentrating in class, feeling tired throughout the day, worrying about the cared for person whilst at school, little time to do homework. Regularly absent from or late for school
• Financial wellness: Some families may have a low income. Not having enough money for basic needs.

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