RECOGNISING THE SKILLS OF YOUNG CARERS 

As a young carer you have a range of skills and qualities that you have developed as a result of your caring role. When looking to the future the skills you have are valuable to employers and in progressing to apprenticeships, further and higher education.

They look for a range of experience, not just qualifications. The skills developed through caring or volunteering are equally valuable.

Use this page to find out more about support and opportunities available to develop yourself, work out what you want to do or get more experience.

CLICK ON IMAGES or anything in BOLD to take you to more information.

Skills Development and Learning

Whether you are looking to get some experience, gain qualifications or  accreditation through learning programmes, there are many choices. 

There is also additional support available for you if you are struggling with school work, keeping up with homework or even to attend school through our own service - Education Attainment Service for Young Carers (EASYC). 

Not sure what subjects to take? Want to know more about careers and learning opportunities after school? Want to know what qualifications you might need? My World of Work has everything you need to work out what your options might be. Whether you are at school, looking for work or in further/higher education. 

In Perth and Kinross we are also fortunate to have a range of locally based organisations who provide support and opportunities to help you work out your learning pathway and gain skills, accreditation and qualifications. And also to provide some additional support if you need it. 

ADHD Perth and Kinross    Perth Autism Support

KYTHE      Duke of Edinburgh    Breathe   

LOGOS        YMCA Tayside

Volunteer Scotland  YoungScot PK

Further and Higher Education

Further and Higher education are a choice on leaving school or even years later. 

Many universities and colleges have initiatives or support programmes in place to help students with care responsibilities. Visit UCAS to find out more. 

On our doorstep in Tayside we have excellent establishments with lots of courses to meet so many learning needs and careers. 

Perth College UHI      Dundee University

Abertay University      Dundee and Angus College

Routes to Employment

Work experience, volunteering, apprenticeships, college ... so many choices. So confusing. 

If you are struggling to find work or just dont know what your options are you can get some support from a range of local and national agencies. 

Skills Development Scotland - Careers Advice, Apprenticeships, Employability Skills

Contact the local team on 01738 637 639

Project Scotland help young people in Scotland to get on in life while volunteering with a charity. 

Developing the Young Workforce P&K  help all of our young people get work ready and ensure employers have access to the skills to help them and our region grow.   

Barnardos Works   provides unemployed young people living in Tayside & North East (age 16-24) with a unique blend of personal support and accredited training matched with quality work experience placements and the opportunity to access independent employment.

Remploy  Fair Start Scotland provides up to 18 months of tailored one-to-one support to individuals not in education or currently employed

Enable working for an equal society for every person who has a learning disability.

Wellbeing

Investing in your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is a key part of protecting your future. Developing skills and resilience to deal with whatever the future brings, and bringing hobbies, fun, social opportunities in to our lives. 

Togetherall | A safe community to support your mental health, 24/7 endorsed by NHS and PKC

Mindful Peak Performance™ We have been working in partnership with Mindful Peak Performance and East London Boxing Academy to deliver virtual boxing and mindfulness sessions to young carers.

YoungMinds - children and young people's mental health charity https://youngminds.org.uk/   Children & YP Mental Health Charity – range of resources and signposts

Tips for coping with seeing loved ones struggling - BBC Bitesize Suggestions for coping when loved ones are finding things difficult.

MINDSPACE PK - Mindspace offer 4 services to both adults, and young people above the age of 11, to support you and your mental wellbeing in a way that is best suited to you.

ScotlandAllStrong -  fitness to feel better provides and promotes physical activity, mindful relaxation and peer support 

Live Active Leisure - provider of sport, fitness and wellbeing opportunoties in venues and communities across P&K. They also provide FREE access to registered carers throught the COMPASS membership. Speak to your support worker.

Relationships Scotland - PKAVS Young Carers can get coiunselling support as part of your Young Carers Statement plan. 

Your Mental Health Toolkit - Mindful Tips ● Mood Mixes ● Personal Stories ● Motivation

SEEME Scotland - Scotland's Programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination.