Concern For Young Carers

The Carers Trust says increasing numbers of young Scottish carers say they're worried and stressed.

According to research, many are twice as worried about money, bullying, exams and their families.

Youngsters also fear what will happen in the future.

The research, with over 350 unpaid young carers from carers' groups around the UK compares the findings with a YouGov poll of 457 non-carers aged 8-15. 46 of the respondents were from Scotland. 

When the answers of the 457 non-carers are compared to the 200 young carers who were in the 8-15 age group, the carers were less happy and more confused than their peers. 

When asked what sort of things they worried about, the carers group from Scotland were much more worried about money, bullying, exams and their families.

The research also shows a quarter of the young carers group don’t have enough people to talk to and 28% said they would like to talk to other young carers online. 

Carers Trust is launching a new online community and website for this age group called Babble which will provide friendship and support online for young carers under 18. 

Florence Burke, Director of Carers Trust Scotland said: 

"We know from what young people tell us that caring responsibilities can have a big impact on young carers' mental wellbeing, and this survey really brings home the scale of the issue.

"This is also the first time we've been able to compare young carers' feelings to other children and young people. It shows just how much Babble is needed to combat the risk of isolation and to make sure these young people are as happy and supported as they can be."