A new project to provide Young Scot discounts, entitlements and rewards opportunities specifically tailored to the needs of young carers has been announced by the Scottish Government.

During 2018, Young Scot will be working with a new Young Carer’s Vision Panel to co-design the offer. The Young Carer’s Vision Panel will also be helping Young Scot to create information for young people who find themselves caring for others.

Young Scot will be working with partners to deliver the new programme in 2019 using the Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC). Through the Young Scot NEC and Young Scot Digital Platform, the tailored rewards, discounts and entitlements will be made available to young carers across Scotland aged 11-18-year-old who do at least 16 hours of caring a week.

The announcement was made by the First Minister alongside a new Young Carer Grant – worth £300 a year – and future free bus travel for young carers.

The First Minister said:

““The package of support I am announcing today, including the Young Carer Grant, will give valuable extra help to this group of people. It comes in addition to a range of other measures, including the support contained in the Carers Act, which enshrines carers’ rights in law for the first time.

“Young carers make an invaluable contribution to society. The additional grant and free bus travel, along with new legislation and our ambitious changes to the social security system, will help ensure they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said, “By working directly with young people though co-design, the experiences of young carers will be at the very heart of this project. It’s hugely important that we work with young carers so that the new information, Rewards and entitlements will benefit their lives when and where it matters most.”