Before you start (unpaid carers and young carers)

If you are reading this, it is because you are helping to care for a family member or friend who could not manage without your support.

This makes you an unpaid carer (or if you are under 18, a young carer).

You may be on this website because you are helping to arrange and manage support for someone else.

The law says you also have the right to access support in your own right, to give you a break from your caring role.

The next pages in this section of the website talk you through the process of getting support as an unpaid carer or young carer.

We know that trying to access support for yourself can sometimes be a challenging and stressful process.

You are not on your own here. Please be reassured, there is lots of help available.

There are organisations across Scotland who can give help, advice and practical support to unpaid carers and young carers. These are called Carers’ Centres.

It will be helpful to speak to your local Carers’ Centre as soon as you feel ready. They can give you help right from the beginning.

You can find the details of your local Carers’ Centre here.

Getting formal support for yourself through your council is only one of the ways that you can get the help you need.

There are lots of other types of support out there that can help. These include things like community groups, peer support and charitable services.

Your local Carers’ Centre can help you find out about what is available in your area that might be suitable.

 

Next steps

Take a look at the next page to find out how you start the process of getting support for yourself: Adult Carer Support Plan/ Young Carer Statement

Part of
Last Updated
16 August 2024
First Published
23 March 2024
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Disclaimer

Please note that the information contained in this Handbook is provided for guidance purposes only. Every reasonable effort is made to make the information accurate and up to date, but no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by Self Directed Support Scotland or any other contributing party.

The information does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice. You are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal and professional advice from a lawyer about employment law matters, or an accountant/ tax specialist about taxation matters, and from HMRC and your insurers. You should not rely solely on the information in this Handbook. Support organisations listed in this Handbook can help you find appropriate sources of advice.