East Ayrshire Carers

14/04/2014

What is a Young Carer?

A Young Carer is someone who looks after a member of their family who is ill, frail, disabled, suffers from mental ill health or a substance misuse problem.

There are over 100,000 young carers in Scotland so you are not alone!

Being a Young Carer can be hard sometimes:

• You may not have much time to play with your friends;

• You might find it difficult to get your homework done on time;

• You might get picked on or bullied at school;

• Maybe you don’t want your friends to know that you look after or help to look after someone;

• You might feel that you are the only person who can look after your relation.

If this is you, then the Princess Royal Trust for Carers East Ayrshire Carers Centre can help you...read on to find out how.

What is the Carers Centre?

East Ayrshire Carers Centre offers one-to-one and group support to Young Carers, as well as weekly activity groups. We run ten groups every week: five in Kilmarnock, three in Cumnock and two in Dalmellington.

Groups are split by age meaning you can come along and meet other people your own age who know and understand how you feel. Most importantly come and have fun!

What is a Young Carers Worker and how can they help me?

A Young Carers Worker, is someone that you, as a Young Carer, can talk to. They can listen and support you in dealing with any problems you are going through. They can introduce you to Young Carers groups and encourage you and your family to take part in Centre activities.

There are also other people who you can share your problems with like a guidance teacher at school or a social worker.

How do I contact a Young Carers Worker?

If you think that you are a young carer and would like to contact a young carers worker speak to your guidance teacher, head teacher, social worker, parent or guardian. They can contact us on the numbers on the back of this leaflet and a Young Carers worker will arrange a time to come and meet you.

When you meet them they will tell you more about the groups and talk to you about your caring role. After this they can register you as a member of a Young Carers group, then you’re ready to join in the fun!

Alternatively you can phone or drop into your nearest Centre yourself.

Call 01563 571533...

for fun

and support!