Young carers are children and young adults under the age of 18, who provide care, assistance or support to a parent, sibling, grandparent or other person who has a physical disability, learning disability, sensory impairment, physical or mental illness, drug or alcohol problem or other condition connected with a need for care, support or supervision. I am like the moon,
I am not seen unless you lo
ok for me,
I affect so many things,
But they often go unnoticed,
I am awake at night and outshone in the day
Poem by Skye and Lochalsh Young Carer
This service offers young carers the chance to have:
Weekly group meetings - young carers meet after school to have fun, make friends, to chill out, eat snacks, get information, do skill development activities and challenges. Respite Outings - day outings each school holiday time and our High School members have a weekend trip away at Christmas time. One to One - young carers can meet with our workers if they want advice, or want to talk about any worries or difficulties they might have. Young carers can also drop in at lunch times or after school if they want a confidential chat or information. Advocacy Support - our workers can support young carers at school or at any family support meetings. If asked we can represent the young carer by speaking to individual people or organisations when they want to flag up any concerns, difficultes or ideas they feel might help. We can also work together as a group to give information to services so that they can better support young carers and their families; we can also provide training for them.