We know young carers from armed forces and veteran families, compared to civilian peers, can face additional challenges as a carer for a loved one, a sibling, or even a member of their local community.
That’s why we established a fund to provide grants for young carers, which can be used to enhance independence, gain qualifications, or simply participate in activities for a respite break from caring responsibilities.
We award young carers grants with the generous support of The Scottish Veterans Fund and, what’s more, we are delighted to share a couple short case studies from armed forces and veteran families whom we have recently supported.
The Smith Family includes four children, three of whom help to care for a brother who has ADHD, and Tourette’s, and suffers from seizures. The family was unable to take a short respite holiday break together this year, however, Forces Children Scotland provided a series of grants to enable their children to visit the zoo and several wildlife parks to meet the animals, have fun and take a break from the caring responsibilities.
Emma cares for her dad who has complex physical health issues and limited mobility. Emma lives with her dad in the north of Scotland, and it can prove difficult to find finances to visit her mum and other relatives in Manchester on a regular basis. Funding provided Emma with funds to book a flight to Manchester to spend time with her mum and family. Better still, Emma grasped the opportunity to spend quality time with her mum by visiting the Dr Who exhibition in Blackpool during her visit.
The Carlton-Leigh family is a family which includes five children, two of whom have autism which can make parenting difficult. Three of the children have caring responsibilities and Forces Children Scotland awarded grants to help them to pursue their interests to provide respite breaks from their responsibilities. Christopher and Oscar, aged 10 and 13 respectively, attended Theatre School over the summer, and their older sister Kitty, who is 17, received for a bike to give her some additional independence and exercise.
Young people, parents, or a family friend can apply for grants on behalf of a young carer from an armed forces or veteran family in Scotland.
Do you have a question about our young carers support? admin@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk