For Young Carers
Being a young carer means you may take on responsibility for helping to look after someone (usually a family member) who has a long-term illness, disability, mental health problem or substance misuse issue.
Our young carer service supports those aged 8 to 18.
How can we help you today?
Find the most requested support services and information from our young carers. Choose an option below.
Can't find what you're looking for? Visit our FAQs
Who is a young carer?
A young carer is someone who takes on physical, practical or emotional support for someone they are close to because they are ill, have a disability, mental health issue or have a substance misuse issue.
Lots of young people are proud to help and offer support to people they are close to, but we know from talking to young carers that having these additional responsibilities can be difficult and impact on their lives socially, emotionally, at home, at school/ college and work.
Without support, young carer’s future aspirations can often be affected, as their time to complete course work and socialise can impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
The responsibility of a young carer is wide and varied.
It can include:
Practical tasks, such as cooking, housework and shopping
Physical care, like helping someone out of bed
Emotional support, including talking to someone who is distressed
Personal care, such as helping someone dress
Managing the family budget and collecting prescriptions
Helping to give medicine
Helping someone communicate
Looking after their siblings
Group of six young people standing outdoors, some smiling and posing, with trees and signs in the background.
A group of people sitting and talking in a room with a fire extinguisher and informational posters on the wall.
Group of people wearing plastic rain ponchos inside a tent, smiling
Group of people walking alpacas on a green field.
Three young people sitting in a casual setting having a conversation. Two are in the foreground, one wearing glasses and a ponytail, the other with glasses and curly hair. A third person is sitting further back, out of focus. Walls display brochures.
Our work in schools
We work with primary, secondary and ASN schools across West Lothian to ensure young carers can access the support they need.
We’re super flexible in how we offer support, including 1-1 sessions, group activities and working with school staff to deliver assemblies or lesson plans.
Xanthe, our Young Carer Development Worker, explains a bit more about our support in secondary schools.
We visit every Primary School in West Lothian to raise awareness about young carers and offer 1-1 or group support.
Caitlin, our Primary School Worker, explains a bit more about our support in primary schools.
Aged 8-18? Join our young carer service!
Our young adult carer service tailors support to our older young adults, providing support groups and personalised advice that helps you navigate becoming an adult.
My Caring Journey
Your stories about caring and what it means to you
Catriona’s experience
Catriona shares her experience of being an unpaid carer in West Lothian at such a young age. From helping with daily tasks to providing emotional support, she balances responsibilities far beyond her years — all while navigating school and enjoying life as a young person.
Zoe’s experience
Zoe has been caring for her mum, who lives with multiple sclerosis, taking on responsibilities like shopping, collecting prescriptions, and managing the household. Zoe opens up about the challenges and rewards of being a young carer — and how she’s balancing her caring role with her dreams for the future.
We’re here to help
If you think you may be a young carer, please ask a trusted adult to get in touch with us. If you know a young carer who you think would benefit with our support, then please get in touch.