Project name: CashBack for Brighter Futures for Young Carers
Age range: 10-25 years
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 we work with live in the most deprived areas of Edinburgh, and face challenges associated with poverty including around communication skills, low expectations of themselves and others, and lower attainment and aspirations.
We work with each young carer to develop an individual development plan, including:
- Mental health support
Including fortnightly respite groups, smaller groups/playdates, and one-to-one support and counselling for young carers who may be especially vulnerable to poor mental health or risk-taking behaviour.
- Core skills development
This includes activities supporting literacy, motor skills and environment awareness. Young people set the content for this element, so it may include activities such as equine therapy, outdoor skills, educational programmes, swimming and support with school transition. - Respite activities
This allows young carers to take a break from caring responsibilities and have an opportunity to share their experience with peers. This includes days out, camping trips and 2-5 night residential breaks during school holidays.
Local authority areas:
Edinburgh City
