Carers Trust Scotland reveals 40% of young carers haven't told a friend that they look after a loved one at home

Almost half of young carers in Scotland have not told their friends about their caring role because they fear how they will react.

A Carers Trust Scotland survey revealed only four in 10 of those aged five-18 have shared details about their extra responsibilities with a friend and only 15% who have shared have been confident enough to tell all of their friends.

Three quarters of those scared to share said they don’t think their friends would understand and half have a fear of being bullied.

The charity estimates there are around 100,000 young carers in Scotland and defines a young carer as a child or young person who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability, or is affected by mental ill-health or substance misuse.

Being a young carer is something to be proud of - we want to reinforce that message

It released its research to coincide with its two day festival which aims to provide young carers with a much needed break from their caring responsibilities, and to allow them speak to other young people in similar situations, share new experiences and of course have fun.

Louise Morgan, young carers development manager at Carers Trust Scotland, said: “The young carers at the festival frequently tell us that they struggle to confide in their friends, as they feel friends don’t always understand what being a young carer means. This is why they value the friendships that they make at their young carers services and the festival so much, as it provides them with a support network that understands.

“Being a young carer is something to be proud of. We want to reinforce that message and increase awareness about young carers in Scotland so that these incredible young people can talk about their lives openly and without fear of judgement.”

Over 600 young carers are expected at the festival which runs until 4 August and is organised by the trust with the support of Action for Children, Barnardo’s, Carers Scotland, Children 1st, the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance and Shared Care Scotland.

On the final day of the event, which is part-funded by the Scottish Government, the young carers will be joined by Jeane Freeman MSP, minister for social security. Other guests coming along on Thursday will include Scottish Government ministers, MSPs, councillors and health, education and council officials.

The young carers will be given the opportunity to share their experiences with the guests and suggest changes to national strategy, policy and guidance that could make their lives better.