Covenant can secure brighter future for young carers

More than 50 young Scots who have caring responsibilities lobbied the Scottish Parliament earlier this month to tell politicians why they should support a Young Carers Covenant.

Inspired by the Armed Forces Covenant, the introduction of a Young Carers Covenant signals a landmark commitment that aims to transform the lives of young and young adult carers.

The need for the Covenant was brought into sharp focus during the recent Young Carers Action Day – an annual event led by the Carers Trust, with the theme for 2024 of‘Fair Futures for Young Carers.’

The Young Carers Covenant sets out 10 key goals, as well as actions that organisations and individuals can take to help young carers reach their full potential. Drawn up by young carers with support from Carers Trust, the goals range from ensuring young carers are identified at the earliest possible opportunity, to making sure they can access training and employment opportunities.

There are more than one million young carers aged under 18 in the UK – that’s two pupils in every classroom.

It’s estimated there are more than 600,000 others aged 18 to 25, many of whom are reliant on local carer organisations for support.

At least 50,000 children and young people, including more than 3000 aged just five to nine, spend 50 hours or more a week looking after ill or disabled family members.

The time young people spend caring can have a devastating impact on their wellbeing, education and future prospects.

A 2023 Carers Trust survey of unpaid carers aged under 25 showed 33 per cent always or usually struggle to balance caring with school, college or university work. Two-fifths (40 per cent) said they don’t get the help they need to balance caring and learning.

For those young adult carers who are employed, 45 per cent said they always or usually struggle to balance caring with paid work.

Suggested actions include employers committing to more flexible working practices for young adult carers.

Schools, colleges and universities can appoint a member of staff as a young carer/student carer lead, tasked with ensuring support is available for them. Carers Trust is also calling for Governments across the UK to make a requirement for all schools, colleges and universities to have a young carers lead and policy in place.

Carers Trust’s CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said:“The lives of young carers in the UK are very different to those of their classmates. Many spend time making sure medication is taken by loved ones, cooking meals and checking household finances.

“Without proper support, these huge responsibilities can overwhelm young carers and have a devastating impact on their education and future prospects. Having a young carer lead and a policy setting out available support in every school would make a huge difference to their lives, helping to identify and support them.”

Anyone in a position to provide support to young carers can sign up at www.carers.org/ youngcarerscovenant