Hansard

It is a privilege to be here to mark young carers action day, which recognises and celebrates the incredible contributions of young carers across Scotland. This afternoon’s debate is an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of young carers, who balance their lives with the immense responsibility of caring for a loved one. I thank Paul O’Kane for securing the debate.

Too often, young carers’ dedication goes unnoticed. Many young carers are juggling their education, their social life, their caring responsibilities and their own wellbeing. Their strength and resilience are inspiring, but we must recognise that they cannot do this alone. Together, we can ensure that the tens of thousands of young carers across Scotland have all the support that they need.

This year’s theme, “give me a break”, is a crucial reminder that young carers deserve time to rest, recharge and simply be young. However, it is challenging for them to balance their responsibilities. Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Many young carers sacrifice their time, their education and their social lives to support family members.

That is why I am pleased that the Government has committed an extra £5 million in the 2025-26 budget to help unpaid carers to take short breaks. That essential funding will offer young carers a chance to step away from their responsibilities and focus on their own wellbeing, which is to their benefit and that of the relatives for whom they care.

The need for such breaks is clear. Carers Trust Scotland found that 52 per cent of young carers felt stressed and that 47 per cent found it difficult to attend classes because of their caring role. Without the right support, too many young carers risk burnout, which puts their education and aspirations in jeopardy. Many are already exhausted from a morning of caring duties when they arrive at school, or they might have to leave school early, which results in them missing out on their lessons. Over time, that can impact on their grades and their confidence.

That is why we must do more to ensure that every young carer gets the support that they need to enable them to stay in school, achieve their goals and thrive. Flexible learning arrangements or additional time to complete assignments can make a real difference. It is essential that we ensure that staff are equipped to recognise and understand the pressures that young carers are under and that they are able to offer tailored support, whether through counselling or mentoring, or simply by taking an understanding approach.

No young person should have to choose between caring for a loved one and securing their own future. By removing the barriers, we can ensure that they have every opportunity to achieve their potential.

Although it is clear that there is still work to be done to improve support for young carers, we can be proud of some of the efforts that the Scottish Government has made. The young carer grant is a unique payment that is available only in Scotland. That financial support helps young carers aged 16 to 18 to manage the pressures that they face, but it is reported that up to 25 per cent of eligible young carers have not applied for it. I urge the Scottish Government to ensure that all young carers are made aware of that support, to which they are entitled.

Today, on young carers action day, let us do more than simply celebrate our country’s young carers and the sacrifices that they make. Let us commit to act to give them the real break that they all deserve, and let us ensure that they are supported to balance their education and their caring responsibilities.

To the young carers who join us in the public gallery and every young carer out there, I say thank you for what you do. Your hard work and dedication inspire me and my colleagues. Let us work together to ensure that you get the support, the recognition and the breaks that you deserve.