Community / New project will support vulnerable unpaid carers
A PROJECT to support young unpaid carers in Shetland – including those from under-represented sections of the community – has secured more than £130,000 in funding.
The money, from the Covid-19 Support Fund via national charity Carers Trust, is coming to Shetland Carers over the next three years and it represents an expansion of help already on offer in the isles.
It aims to identify and support more carers aged under 18, or young adult carers in under-represented groups such as ethnic monitories, LGBTQ+ and those supporting someone with substance use.
Once identified the carer will be able to access information, advice and support to help them in their caring role, while there is an aim to increase their opportunity to take a break and connect with other carers.
Support worker Kirsten Harcus said ‘’Shetland Carers are delighted to secure this funding which will enable us to develop our existing service supporting local carers.”
Newly appointed young carers support worker Laura Guthrie added: “I am looking forward to this new opportunity to provide Shetland with a service that has been needed for many families, and will be an amazing reward.”
As part of its Making Carers Count programme, the Carers Trust has used its main grant to award funding to 25 of its local partner services, including Shetland Carers, to deliver targeted project activities in their local areas until end March 2024.
These activities will support approximately 13,500 unpaid carers across the UK as a whole.
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