Young Carers Journey

This National Volunteers Week at Dundee Carers Centre is a time to be thankful for the contribution made by all the volunteers who have been involved over the past year and beyond and to all new volunteers who have joined.

With National Carers Week just around the corner, its now time to continue “Make Caring Visible and Valued”.

Volunteers make a huge contribution to helping making carers visible and valued; this could be a volunteer role within a school, like Rachael, who is a young carer but also a young carer ambassador at Dundee & Angus College.

Rachael first realised she was a young carer when she attended Harris Academy.

I’m thankful that I was recognised as a young carer by my guidance teacher when I attended Harris Academy, the support that I have received through Dundee Carers Centre has helped to improve my mental health and to connect with other young carers.

As well as being a Young Carers Ambassador for D&A College, I also volunteer with Carers Trust, I have written articles for Enable magazine and been part of radio interviews with BBC Scotland, this has made my feel extremely valued as a young carer.

There are so many opportunities and support available to young carers, that can make a real change to your life.

No young carer should feel alone, I know through my experience that it has built up my confidence massively and has given me something to be proud of.

Rachel, Young Carer, Young Carer Ambassador & Carers Trust Volunteer

Dundee Carers Centre currently have 32 Young Carer Ambassadors across Highschools in the City.

This is a vital role within High Schools, YCA get involved in organising carer groups within the schools alongside their young carers co-ordinator, helping to organise events and raise awareness of young carers.

It sometimes makes it easier for young people to chat to someone their own age who can then sign post on to staff within the school.

Amy O’Reilly, Volunteer Co-ordinator

If you are interested in finding out more about Young Carer Ambassadors complete the Volunteer Enquiry Form on the Get Involved Page or phone the centre on 01382 200422