New identity cards are being introduced to help young carers across East Lothian increase their confidence and be recognised for what they do.
Listening to the voices and opinions of young people, East Lothian Council’s Young Carers Team have developed a new Young Carers Identity Card, which the young carers themselves said, would help increase their confidence, and provide them with the recognition they deserve.
Riley proudly showing off his Young Carer ID Card
Young carers are under 18 years old and provide unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who due to illness or disability cannot manage to live independently without their help.
The amount of support they provide can vary and can include a range of activities. For example, some young carers may support a sibling or parent at home. Activities may include physical care, like helping them get dressed, practical care, like helping around the home, or emotional support by spending quality time with them. Older siblings may take some responsibility for their younger brothers or sisters, like getting them ready for school. Others may help older relatives or neighbours on a regular or infrequent basis.
Caring for others at a young age comes with additional responsibilities and can have an impact on an individual’s life and daily activities. The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 ensures that young carers are able to have their voice heard, to be listened to, especially about decisions that affect them, and supported to achieve their personal goals. One of the means of achieving this is through the creation of Young Carers Statement. It helps identify and recognise a young carers, strengths, skills, qualities and personal goals.
From talking to young carers in East Lothian, many highlighted that having a form of identification indicating their role as a young carer would be beneficial to make them more seen, to recognise their contribution and give them confidence. The East Lothian Councils Young Carers Team agreed, and the creation of the ID Card was put into action.
Cabinet spokesperson for Education, Children’s and Family Services, Councillor Fiona Dugdale comments, “Young carers provide invaluable support to siblings, parents, relatives and neighbours. For many caring isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity. While the ID Card may be small, its significance is much bigger. It’s an acknowledgment, a recognition, and a celebration of all that they do. It provides status, and an opportunity for young carers to be seen, identified, and involved in discussions. Our Young Carers should be exceptionally proud of the support they provide, and I hope having the ID Card goes some way to assisting this.”
If you know someone under the age of 18 who provides unpaid caring support to family members, friends or neighbours, please get in touch with the East Lothian Council Young Carers Team to see how support could be available: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/support-for-carers.