New strategy for young carers to be discussed
A new strategy which aims to better meet the needs of young carers in the region will be analysed in the council chambers this week.
At the next meeting of the lifelong learning committee on Wednesday, November 6 elected members will be asked to approve the Council’s Carers Strategy 2019-2022 in relation to its remit for supporting young carers within Perth and Kinross.
This strategy replaces the Perth and Kinross joint young carer strategy 2015-2018 and has been developed in partnership with the health and social care partnership and PKAVS Carers Centre.
The strategy commits to making service changes which are required to better meet the identified needs of all carers.
A range of events have taken place in collaboration with third sector partners to engage carers in ongoing consultation, ensuring that service provision is flexible enough to respond to changing needs.
An education attainment service for young carers (EASyc) has been created within PKAVS Young Carers’ Hub to support young carers who have not been able to engage fully with education.
This service has been funded since February 2019 and works with schools to identify young carers and raise awareness of their needs at the earliest point.
In addition, a variety of respite opportunities can be offered which allow young carers to make choices about their own needs and interests.
Funds have also been made available to allow more flexible and creative respite responses to meet the needs of a wide range of young carers and support them in their caring role.
Councillor Caroline Shiers, convener of the lifelong learning committee, said: “For many young carers their caring role is seen as a positive element in their life.
“However, some have been unable to reach their full potential as a result of the demands associated with their caring responsibilities.
“This strategy outlines what support young carers within Perth and Kinross can expect to receive to ensure that they are children and young people first and foremost and can benefit from a wide range of opportunities to achieve their life potential.
“We have invested in the PKAVS Young Carers Hub to increase the availability of local support to those young carers who wish to be supported within their own communities, particularly in rural areas.
“I recently visited the hub and I am delighted that this additional support has been welcomed.
“As a result of the increased investment there has been an increase in young carers presenting for support via groups and one-to-one meetings.”
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 defines a young carer as anyone under the age of 18, or 18 and still at school, whose life is in some way restricted because of the need to take responsibility for the care of a person who is ill, has a disability, is experiencing mental distress or is affected by substance misuse.