At the Carers’ Centre we want young carers to have the same opportunities and life chances as their friends and peers. 

Our Aim

At the Carers’ Centre we want young carers to have the same opportunities and life chances as their friends and peers.

  • Our aims are to identify and support young carers living in Helensburgh and Lomond and ensure they have the most appropriate support available to them.

  • To address the impact of the young carers caring responsibilities and the effects this has on their current and future life skills and opportunities.

  • To ensure every young carer is offered a Young Carers Statement.

Who are Young Carers?

Young Carers are someone between 5-17 and Young Adult Carers are 18-24 years old, they may provide emotional and/or practical support, unpaid, for family members, friends or neighbours of any age, who: 

  • Is physically unwell

  • Suffers with their mental health

  • Has Alzheimer's/Dementia

  • Has a learning/physical disability

  • Is dependent on drugs or alcohol

  • Is elderly or frail

  • May be looking after siblings, walking them to school or putting them to bed

  • Giving medication

  • Shopping/housework

  • Preparing meals/cooking

  • Bathing/toileting

  • Listening to worries

  • Managing finances/collecting benefits/paying bills

What we do

Caring for someone can feel like a huge responsibility. It is easy to be drawn into feelings of anxiety when faced with the maze of services and benefits available. We help by providing support with:

  • Information and advice

  • Young Carers Statements

  • 1:2:1 support

  • Counselling

  • Home work & Study groups

  • A break from caring roles

  • Social activities

  • Someone to listen to

  • CV writing

  • College and university applications

  • Employment applications

Young Carer Grants & Discounts

We recognise the dedication of unpaid carers and the impact of their role. The grants listed below offer financial support to help with well-being, essential needs, or the opportunity to take a much-needed short break. Explore the available grants and if you need help completing an application form, please contact us.  

  • The Time To Live Fund provides micro grants of up to £300 to enable carers to take a break  This could be a night away, hobby supplies or equipment, tv/magazine subscription, gym or fitness classes, or anything else that will make a difference to your wellbeing. If you would like to apply, please click the link for further information. 

    • The grants are for items or activities that will benefit carers in their caring role and/or will alleviate the additional strain carers may be experiencing as a direct result of their caring role. Examples of eligible items/activities include, but are not limited to:  

    • Purchase of household items, fridges, freezers, beds, washing machines etc. 

    • Breaks for carers with or without the cared for 

    • Short term or time limited replacement care 

    • Essential home repairs 

    • Costs associated with accessing courses and purchase of related materials 

    • Purchase of IT and mobile phone equipment, software and data allowances 

    • Transport costs related to caring e.g. transport to hospital 

    • Driving lessons and tests 

    Please contact us if you would like to apply for this on 01436 670555. 

  • Young Carers Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 for young carers in Scotland. To be able to get a Young Carers Grant, you must be 16, 17 or 18 years old. You can get a Young Carers Grant once a year, up until you turn 19. You'll need to fill in a new form or call us each year you want to apply. You’ll have to wait one full year between applications. If you apply before this, your application will be rejected and you’ll need to re-apply.  Young Carer Grant - mygov.scot  

  • Help is available  for people across Argyll and Bute who are struggling to access food and heat their homes. If you are on a low income and have no savings you could be eligible for the Flexible Food Fund grant. The grant is allocated over 2 payments. The first shortly after you apply and the second payment usually 4 weeks after the first. Argyll and Bute Flexible Food Fund (argyll-bute.gov.uk) 

  • Young Scot Discounts are here to support young carers! We know you work hard and deserve a little extra help, so we've partnered with amazing brands to bring you exclusive discounts. From fun activities to everyday essentials, you can find great deals to make life a little easier and more enjoyable. Sign up today to start saving and treat yourself – because you deserve it! Young Carers Package – Young Scot 

If the grants listed above don’t quite meet your needs, additional funding options may be available. We’re here to help you find the right support, so if you're unsure which grant to apply for, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation and offer guidance on the best options for you. 

All Young Carers have the right to a Young Carers Statement, but what is it?’
Find out here with link to Young Carer Statement Definition.

Zero Tolerance Policy

At Helensburgh and Lomond Young Carers we want everyone to feel safe and included. We have a zero tolerance for any types of bullying.