What is a Young Carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to another person who could not manage without their help. This could be due to age, disability, physical or mental illness or addiction.
A young carer is someone who does this, and is either under 18 years old, or has reached the age of 18 years and remains a pupil at school.
Support In Schools
Dundee has a policy outlining the commitments to support young carers in schools. This policy should be made available to all identified young carers.
A leaflet summarising the key points outlined in the policy and can be downloaded below from Carers of Dundee Website or ask your Young Carer Coordinator or Dundee Carers Centre Worker for a copy.
The types of supports vary in each school but can include a dedicated information board for young carers, a regular peer support group for young carers, peer education opportunities and regular information or awareness-raising sessions.
As a young carer, you are also entitled to a young carer statement which is an individual plan outlining the support a young carer should get.
Young Carer Coordinators
Every primary and secondary school in Dundee has a Young Carer Coordinator who is responsible for making sure that young carers are identified and receive support.
The Young Carer Coordinator is a member of staff and can be a Guidance Teacher, School & Family Development Worker or a Pupil Support Worker – it is different in every school.
Dundee Carers Centre
Dundee Carers Centre provides support to carers of all ages aged 8+. Workers are based in localities and linked to schools in those localities and can provide support to young carers in school, in the community and one to one or groups. To find out who your locality workers are, and the support available please visit the Dundee Carers Centre website or contact the Carer Support team on 01382 200422
Young carer Ambassadors
Young Carer Ambassadors are young volunteers who give their time to raise awareness of young carers in their school and community, including young carers rights and the supports available to them.
They work alongside Dundee Carers Centre staff and Young Carer Coordinators to develop tailored opportunities to identify and support young carers within their school community.
Dundee Carers Centre are currently working on a locality page, where you will be able to see who can contact for support in your school. Check back later for further updates.
Vocational Training for Carers aged 16-25
Are you a carer? Aged 16 – 25? (if you’re older than 25 and wanting to get back into employment or education, Dundee Carers Centre may still be able to help, just get in touch with them to talk through what you’re looking for.)
About to leave school or college with nothing lined up for after?
Didn’t get the grades you were hoping for or finding it hard to find work?
Dundee Carers Centre has funding to offer vocational training sessions to help young carers gain skills, boost CVs and get into work or education.
They already have partnerships with Faith Elder Beauty Academy, Alexander’s Community Development, First Aid Perthshire and more. But if those options don’t fit your goals, or you’re not sure what you want to do, they can help you find something that fits. Courses will be run in a covid secure way as local or national guidance allows.
Contact Ellie or Vickie from Dundee Carers Centre to find out more:
Ellie.julings@dundeecarerscentre.org.uk 07713993431
Vickie.Carnegie@dundeecarerscentre.org.uk 07770 891 425
Young Carers Statement
Young carers have the right to a Young Carers Statement, which is a plan to make sure a young carer gets the support they need.
A Young Carers Statement starts as a conversation between the young carer and an adult of their choice. This is usually their worker from Dundee Carers Centre or a staff member from their school. In Dundee there is a workbook designed in collaboration with young carers to support this discussion.
If the young carer already has a Child/Young Person’s Plan as part of a Team Around the Child process, their plan will be reviewed and information from the Young Carers Statement will be added to it.
The young carers statement will identify your individual outcomes and what matters to you such as:
· Details about the person you care for and the support you provide
· The impact of caring on your health, wellbeing and day-to-day life
· The extent that you are able and willing to provide care
· The nature and extent of the care provided and whether it is appropriate for you
· Information about your needs and the support that the local authority (Dundee City Council) will provide
· Information about whether support should be provided in the form of a break from caring
· Other supports available to you, for example through school
Further Support For Young Carers
There are people and organisations across Dundee who can help you if you are a young carer. Support is available from a number of organisations who work with carers specifically, people who are affected by health conditions or run activities that may be of interest to you.
In addition if you are not in school Dundee Carers Centre works closely with D&A College, alongside Young Carer Ambassadors, and provides a range of support in partnership with student support services including a regular peer support group and a transition programme for carers planning to attend the College.
National Entitlements
National entitlements include the Young Scot Young Carer Package which is available to all young carers who have a Young Scot Card.
This package is always being updated but includes digital vouchers for entertainment, food and other opportunities; enhanced discounts on study guides and clothing and training opportunities.
Young Carers Grant
Young Carers aged 16, 17 and 18 in Scotland are also able to apply for a Young Carer Grant of £305.10. For more eligibility information and how to apply please follow this link.
If you would like more information on the opportunities outlined on this page, or support to access them, speak to your school Young Carer Coordinator or contact the Carer Support team on 01382 200422.