Supporting Young Adult Carers
Our support is driven by the individual.
One-to-one support allows the carer to focus on what matters to them.
Intensive support, aimed at preventing crisis, is also available, if needed, with confidential and non-judgmental help.
This can be delivered at home or school, and there is also a weekly group session to provide peer support.
We developed Young Adult Carers (YAC) support as a result of our work with young and adult carers. While Young Carers supports people up to 18 (and still in school), there was nothing specifically for folks aged 16-plus who are not in formal education.
Classed as adults, they may find themselves less able to relate to others as part of a peer group (especially if there was a significant age difference). As a result, Space created the Young Adult Carers for ages 16-25.
We know this can be a very challenging time, with career steps vitally important and, not to mention, a social life.
Our Young Adult Carers team helps those in work to get the benefits they need and ensure they are properly supported. We also assist college and university students, so they can focus on their studies as much as possible and build their best future.
Space @ The Broomhouse Hub found that 98% of those taking part felt their confidence increased, while 95% said they were better able to access additional support services: reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mental health, and improving wellbeing.
For those not in work or employment, we support volunteering to gain experience or pursue recognised qualifications, like the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Space also works closely with our own Learning and Development team to teach employability skills and build work experience.
When available, residential respite can provide Young Adult Carers with option like a five-day stay to help develop outdoor skills. Our summer activity programme, meanwhile, offers great experiences for those whose life options have been limited by their caring role.
Space knows that through identifying hobbies and interests, our team can help young people realise opportunities available to them—and their potential to achieve those goals. Acknowledging success and providing opportunities for young people to have a sense of achievement allows them to focus on their aspirations for their future: in work, education, or socially.
If you are an unpaid carer aged 16-25 and are interested in our Young Adult Carers service, please complete a self-referral form and e-mail it to youngcarers@spacescot.org.
If you are a cared-for person who would like more support for your Young Adult Carer, please get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help.
More information:
Young Carers
Caring can start at an early age; it might be as simple as helping a disabled parent around the home or supporting a sibling.
Adult Carers
We currently support more than 100 adult carers with a wide range of challenges. We are part of the Edinburgh Carers Support team.
Our Services
We are always listening to community needs. If you have questions on any aspect of our work, want to get involved or volunteer, contact us.
How can you help us?
Donate
Like all charities, we rely on your support to carry out our work. Click below to see how your donation can help our vital work in South West Edinburgh.
Volunteer
Want to build experience or find a rewarding pastime? Click below to see our great volunteering opportunities—from youth befriending to Beacon Club.