Chamberlain to set out plans for a young carers’ lead in every school

Ahead of the Scottish Liberal Democrats' conference in Inverness, deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain MP has today set out proposals to create a Young Carers’ Lead in every school who can provide practical support to help young carers balance education and caring for their loved one. 

The backing of party members would see the policy form part of the party’s manifesto for the next Scottish Parliament election and reaffirm the Scottish Liberal Democrats' commitment to being “the party of care”.

The plans, which will be voted on at the party’s Spring conference in Inverness next Saturday, call for the next Scottish Government to:

• Work with authorities to assign a ‘Young Carers' Lead’ in every school and college to provide support to young carers, as well as and advice and training to teaching colleagues on how to best support pupils who are young carers;
• Review and improve the data it holds for young carers in education;
• Work with local authorities and others to ensure that young carers are aware of and can access all the support they are entitled to.

Ms Chamberlain said:

“Our party leader Ed Davey has spoken movingly about his experiences as a young carer looking after his mother after she was diagnosed with cancer.

“Many young carers struggle to balance school and their caring responsibilities. Too often they feel that there is no one they can turn to for advice and support.

“These proposals would give them a designated staff member in school who would serve as a point of contact, someone who knows them, who understands the challenges they face, and can offer practical support to balance their education with caring for their loved one.

"Every one of these young people does an incredible job and they deserve to fulfil every inch of their potential.

"From young people with caring responsibilities to those in need of a home care package, Liberal Democrats are determined to be the party of care.”