Young Carers Say: Give Us a Break

Over 500 young carers from across Scotland will gather this week in Fife for the
18th annual Scottish Young Carers Festival, hosted by Carers Trust Scotland. The
Festival, which receives funding by the Scottish Government, provides young
carers with a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities and offers
them a platform to have their voices heard.

This year’s theme, “Give Us a Break,” is a powerful reminder of the importance
of respite for young carers. For many, caring is a daily responsibility that can
affect education, friendships and mental health. The Scottish Young Carers
Festival offers young people a joyful and supportive space to relax, recharge and
connect with others who understand their experiences.

Why a Break Matters

There are at least 30,000 young carers under the age of 18 in Scotland, many
of whom provide vital unpaid care for family members. Carers Trust Scotland’s
work highlights that time away from caring duties is not just a treat – it’s
essential for young carers’ wellbeing, development and happiness.

Scottish Young Carers Festival Highlights

The Scottish Young Carers Festival will feature a huge range of fun and inclusive
activities – from zip lining, music and arts workshops, to camping, outdoor
games, live music and creative spaces – all shaped by young carers themselves.
It's a celebration, but also a platform to raise their voices and influence change.

Becky Duff, Director of Carers Trust Scotland:
"Young carers give so much of themselves every day. The Scottish Young Carers
Festival is about joy, freedom and showing young people that they matter. The
theme ‘Give Us a Break’ reflects what young carers have told us they need – not
just rest, but recognition."

A young carer who attended last year’s Scottish Young Carers Festival said:
“I made wonderful friends that I think I will never loose, and memories that I will
never forget”

The Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Tom Arthur said:
"Young carers make an invaluable contribution to not just their families but
society as a whole. Nevertheless, I recognise the challenges they face because of
their responsibilities, which often means they do not get the same number of
opportunities as their peers.

“I am looking forward to speaking with young carers about the issues which are
most important to them, and to understand how we can support them further.

“Our continued commitment to support and fund the Festival, the Young Scot
Young Carer Package, the Young Carer Grant, as well as the implementation of
the National Carers Strategy and our Young Carers Covenant is a clear sign of our
continued support to young carers going forward.”