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CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN |
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West Lothian Young Carers hit the Jackpot
| The West Lothian Young Carers Partnership Project is
celebrating news of a recent windfall grant from the Big Lottery's
Young People's Fund. The grant of £96,573 over 3 years will ensure
that young carers in West Lothian are offered a high level of
support while undertaking their caring role.
The photograph opposite shows West Lothian Young Carers on Safari at Blair Drummond. Pictured (back row from left to right) are Peter Ebbs, Christopher Gillies, David Scott and (front from left to right0 Gemma Lithgow, Lucy Muir and Natasha McArthur. <Click here for a bigger picture> |
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The partnership project, between Carers of West Lothian and West Lothian Council, currently employs one full-time worker who provides individual and group support to around 20 young carers at any one time. The additional funding will enable the appointment of another young carer support worker, allowing expansion of the project to reach a greater number of young carers throughout West Lothian. The project aims to increase the level of support available to young carers whilst promoting a greater awareness within schools of the issues facing young carers.
A 'young carer' is someone up to the age of 18 and in full time education, who looks after, or helps look after, someone who is unwell, disabled, or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Their role as a carer often means performing tasks that would normally be undertaken by an adult. These may include providing personal care, washing and dressing someone, giving medication, or general tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, helping with household finances. In addition many young carers assume the role of looking after younger siblings. They might also be providing emotional care, by staying at home and keeping the person company, being a listener, and having to develop an understanding of adult's emotional needs.
A young carer's life may be affected in many ways as a direct result of their caring situation. They may be under-achieving at school, through missing lessons, being tired or losing concentration. They may lack friends and also due to a lack of understanding be victims of bullying. The West Lothian Young Carers Partnership Project gives young carers a chance to talk and express their feelings with others in similar circumstances, an opportunity to relax, have fun and some time out, and offers access to other services.
If you would like to speak to someone about being a young carer or to find out more about the partnership project please contact Wilma Philpot, Young Carer Partnership Development Worker on 01506 776999, e-mail: wilmaphilpot@westlothian.gov.uk, web: www.wl-yc.com
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