Supporting young carers

Forces Children Scotland continues to support young carers from serving, reservist and veteran families across Scotland, thanks to generous funding from Veterans Scotland.

Funding from Veterans Scotland enables Forces Children Scotland to support children and young people caring for loved ones or members of their local community across Scotland, through its wider Family Support Services.

Recently, Forces Children Scotland awarded six new grants through it’s Young Carers Fund and we have shared two short testimonials from our beneficiaries. We have protected the identities of the young people and families.

Two sisters requested money for a summer house, where they can hang out and relax with friends, whilst remaining close-by to look after their mum.

“We care for our mum who has multiple physical disabilities, which can make day-to-day life very difficult. Having served in the forces she has taught my sister and I how to lift and handle, to know how we can best support her when needed.

“I help with housework, cooking and am responsible for myself and the dog too. Being able to relax in the summer house has made a huge difference to providing a space for myself and sister to relax and spend time with our friends.”

A brother and sister have found themselves with additional caring responsibilities and wanted to purchase electronic equipment to enjoy time to themselves.

“Our mum has poor mental health, and our dad is living with a severe back injury which has meant he was discharged from the Armed Forces. All of this has had a huge impact on their mental health because they are constantly worrying about the future.

“This means our caring responsibilities have increased quite a lot recently, having to support both parents, and we are grateful to have been able to purchase a Nintendo Switch and in-ear headphones to take time out from things.”

If you are a young carer or parent from a serving, reservist or veteran family and would like to find out more about our Family Support Service, please email: familysupport@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk