Trigger Warning: Article discusses topics such as suicide
Brighter Futures for Young Carers is a holistic service for children and young people caring for a parent affected by alcohol/substance use.
These young carers report more negative health effects than other young carers, including difficulties with stress and sleep, and negative coping strategies. Most of the young carers the project works with live in the most deprived areas of Edinburgh, and face challenges associated with poverty, including communication skills, low expectations of themselves and others, and lower attainment and aspirations.
Life Before CB Activity:
L was nominated to the Edinburgh Young Carers’ Brighter Futures for Young Carers Programme by his mother’s substance use worker. The initial meeting focused on completing a Young Adult Carer Statement, it became clear that L had a very significant and long‑standing caring role.
L lives with his mother and provides care for both parents, each of whom experiences substance dependency. His caring responsibilities include emotional support, cooking, cleaning, shopping, caring for household pets, supporting attendance at appointments, and contributing financially to the household. L shared that this was the first organisation to offer him dedicated support, which he described as a relief and something he felt grateful for.
During the assessment, L disclosed severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, directly linked to the pressure and responsibility of his caring role. He explained that he left school at 15 to support the household financially and described periods of food poverty, including regularly skipping meals.
He reported feeling let down by statutory services, noting that the caring role he assumed from the age of 11 was neither appropriate nor safe. As a result, he missed out on key social and educational opportunities, and his mental health was significantly affected. Engagement with the service marked the first time L felt his caring role had been recognised and taken seriously.
Experience During CB Activity:
Since engaging with the service, L has primarily accessed one‑to‑one support with a development worker. Due to the unpredictable and demanding nature of his caring role, his day‑to‑day life is often chaotic. He can become overwhelmed or physically and emotionally exhausted, which has at times made it difficult for him to engage in group activities or attend scheduled sessions consistently.
Support has required a high level of flexibility, patience, and understanding. Appointments have frequently needed to be rearranged at short notice to allow L to prioritise his caring responsibilities or rest when feeling depleted. This flexibility has been essential for maintaining engagement and building trust.
Despite these challenges, L has taken part in several one‑to‑one sessions and joint meetings with other professionals. These have offered him a safe space to discuss his caring role, mental health, and practical concerns, while also supporting advocacy and coordinated input from other services.
He often communicates openly about the pressures he is under:
“Hey, I’m really sorry, I was just on my way up, but my dad just needs a wee hand doing a few things, so chances are I won’t be able to make it today. I’m sorry about any inconvenience that this may cause and as soon as you’re next free, we can meet up.”
A flexible, relationship‑based approach has been crucial in enabling L to continue accessing support in a way that is realistic and sustainable.
Impact of CB Activity:
Since joining the service, support for L has focused on addressing immediate practical and financial pressures related to his caring role. L was supported to access a Young Carer Grant of approximately £300, which he used towards food and household bills. He was also awarded a Wee Breaks grant, which he chose to use to purchase a DJ set with. Music is a key passion for L and something he hopes to pursue alongside his studies:
“It is great and thank you so much, I can’t thank you enough for all your help!”
In addition, L received a clothing voucher for essential items and was supported to apply for a college bursary to help ensure a more stable income while studying electrical engineering. He also accessed a leisure card and a refurbished laptop, supporting both his wellbeing and education.
These supports have helped L feel more hopeful and less alone, reinforcing that positive future pathways are possible. One‑to‑one sessions have been especially significant, offering the first real opportunity for L to share his experiences and feel heard, something he described as relieving and empowering.
Looking ahead, support will focus on assisting L to apply for Carer’s Allowance and engaging with a homelessness assessment.
“Just got that food voucher! Thank you so much, you are and will always be a legend!”
Want to learn more?
- Find out more about Action for Children CashBack for Communities funded projects
- Read their 2024-25 annual report to find out more about the project’s impact
- For more examples of how CashBack for Communities projects support children and young people towards positive destinations, see our 24-25 Impact report
