01 October 2020

Young carers invited to have their say on support services offered in Aberdeenshire

Young carers up to the age of 18 across Aberdeenshire are being asked to give their local authority feedback on the way the council and its partners plan to offer support to young people who provide unpaid care and/or support for a family member who has a disability, illness, drug, alcohol or mental health problem.

A Draft Aberdeenshire Young Carer Strategy 2021 – 2023 is now available to view online alongside a short survey for young carers, adults who have experience of being a young carer, practitioners, volunteers and family members to complete. The draft strategy has been developed through discussion with young carers to gather their views and reflect their opinions alongside those of colleagues in social work, education, health and the third sector.
 
Councillor Gillian Owen, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee commented: “We would like to encourage as many people as possible to access the draft strategy and gain a better idea of how young carers can be supported.
 
“Gaining feedback on our draft strategy is also essential, so if you provide support for a family member or know or work with someone who does then please do take just a few minutes to give your views by completing the online survey.”
Vice Chair Cllr Rosemary Bruce added: “It’s absolutely vital we help employers, education providers and the wider community to recognise young carers and signpost the help that is available for young people who are so often struggling to cope with their caring role alongside other responsibilities. Have a read: it’s an important ask of all of us, both in our professional roles and in our personal lives too.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s Carer Support Team is happy to answer any queries via email: carersupport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or telephone: 01467 536677. The survey will close on Sunday 18 October, 2020 at 23:45.
 
The Draft Aberdeenshire Young Carer Strategy 2021 – 2023 can be viewed online at: https://tinyurl.com/yylujnax The survey can be accessed online at: http://bit.ly/YCarer20