Young, Caring and Struggling to Make Ends Meet: The Worsening Economic Circumstances of Scotland's Young Carers

Abstract

This research focuses on exploring, in the context of the 2020/21 Covid-19 pandemic, the economic circumstances of young carers in Scotland. A young carer is a child under the age of 18 years who provides regular care and support to a family member with a long-term physical or mental health condition or addiction. The Scottish Government estimates that 7% of young people in Scotland are young carers (Scottish Government, 2017). 

The research seeks to improve understanding of:

1. The nature of young carers’ economic circumstances;

2. The impact of Covid-19 on their financial circumstances;

3. Young carers’ understanding of and involvement with household finances, and

4. How young carers’ economic circumstances impact their vision for their future.

The findings in this report are based on qualitative interviews with ten young carers and on 20 qualitative survey responses. Therefore, the report provides a relatively small-scale, but important and timely snapshot insight into the experiences of young carers in Scotland. It is hoped the research, conducted in early 2021, will contribute towards the urgent policy action required to relieve pressures on young carers.

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https://research-portal.uws.ac.uk/en/publications/cfaea7fa-c9bc-4798-9cd4-b9724a460d97