Festival Time for Hundreds of Scotland’s Young Carers

The Scottish Young Carers Festival is an opportunity for carers aged 8 to 18 to take a break from their caring role and speak to politicians and decision-makers.

The Festival, which is funded by the Scottish Government, brings together young carers from all over Scotland for a much-needed break from their caring duties, as well as the opportunity to meet other young people in similar situations. 

The Scottish Government estimates there are 29,000 carers aged under 16 in Scotland, however research has indicated that this figure is likely to be much higher.

Organised by Carers Trust Scotland, the Festival takes place every summer and is held at the Broomlee Outdoor Centre in West Linton.

Activities include a Festival’s Got Talent show, football skills zone, silent disco, ceilidh and cinema, as well as dozens of workshops on everything from dance and stage make-up, to science, pottery and music.

The 650 Scottish young carers will be joined at the Festival this year by six young carers from Norway, where carer groups have been following Scotland’s progress on young carer issues.

The youngsters will also be joined by Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health. Other guests attending include Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, as well as MSPs, councillors, and health, education and council officials.

The young carers will get the chance to speak to the guests, tell them what life is like as a young carer and how vital it is that services support them and continue to fund young carers groups.

Florence Burke, Carers Trust’s Director for Scotland, said: “The Scottish Young Carer’s Festival has become a highlight of the summer for many of the young people we support in Scotland and we’re really looking forward to welcoming hundreds of them to this summer’s event.

“We know many of them will be waiting to hear exam results which could have a bearing on what they do next and wondering how that could affect their caring roles. Young carers don’t often have the opportunity to speak to people like politicians and education officials, people whose decisions can have a big impact on these young carers’ lives.

“The Festival, which this year starts on the day exam results are announced, gives young carers the chance to speak directly to these decision-makers about the issues that affect them and explain what life is like for them and thousands of other young carers.

“But it’s also a fun-filled few days for the youngsters and a chance to have a break from their caring roles and enjoy themselves with others who are living with the same challenges.”