PKC focus on young carers

Councillors will meet next week to decide how best to support young carers in Perth and Kinross.

At a meeting of the lifelong learning committee on Wednesday, May 16, councillors will hear about the wellbeing of young carers, and how their progress in life can be affected by their caring responsibilities.

Under new legislation, every young person in these circumstances has the right to a young carer statement, which identifies personal outcomes and individual needs.

Perth and Kinross Council has a duty to ensure each young carer in the region gets the appropriate support to meet these goals.

At the meeting, elected members will hear about the main changes to the act and the consultation which is currently under way with PKAVS young carers hub and NHS Tayside, which the committee will be asked to approve.

Councillor Caroline Shiers, convener of lifelong learning at the local authority, said:“The role that young carers play in supporting their relatives is one that cannot be underestimated.

“However, we also need to ensure that they themselves get the support they need to continue to grow and flourish, and reach their fullest potential.

“The council and its partners, particularly PKAVS young carers, already have a positive history of working together to support young carers and this report highlights that we are in a good position to deliver on our new duties.”