Lothian Scottish Conservative MSP Miles Briggs is welcoming a new study into the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s young carers. The report, “Coping is difficult, but I feel proud - Perspectives on mental health and wellbeing of young carers” was commissioned by the Children and Young People's Commissioner for Scotland and assessed the views of 238 young carers. It is the first study in Scotland to compare the health of young people who have responsibility for caring for someone in their household with those who do not. Miles has tabled a Parliamentary motion highlighting the report and its findings.
Speaking today Miles, who is the Shadow Minister for Public & Mental Health, said:
“ This is an important piece of research which shines the spotlight on the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s young carers, young people who are the unsung heroes of the care system and play a very valuable role in society.
“ I hope this report’s findings will help persuade the Scottish Government to look at what additional support it can provide for Scotland’s young carers, including access to respite which is so important.”
For the full text of Miles' motion please see below:
Motion Number: S5M-04132
Lodged By: Miles Briggs
Date Lodged: 21/02/2017
Title: Report on the Mental Health of Young Carers
Motion Text:
"That the Parliament welcomes the newly-published report, "Coping is difficult, but I feel proud" Perspectives on mental health and wellbeing of young carers, which was commissioned by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland in partnership with the Carers Trust Scotland and the Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance; notes that 238 young carers across the country participated in the research, which found that those with the highest caring responsibilities experienced greater levels of poor health, stress and sleeping difficulties; understands that it found that mental and emotional health was more of an issue for the young carers than physical health problems; acknowledges however that they reported greater feelings of self-worth than young people without caring responsibilities, and considers this a valuable and important piece of research that will inform policy makers and lead to more support, including appropriate respite, for Scotland's young carers."
