New study conducted by CAHRU on mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s young carers
A new study published on 21 February explores the mental health and wellbeing of young carers in Scotland and reveals that more than one in four are doing the caring on their own. The study is the first of its kind in Scotland, matching young carers and their perceptions of their health and wellbeing against a comparable sample of young people.
This research was commissioned by the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland and was conducted by CAHRU and independent researchers Blake Stevenson. In partnership with Carers Trust, Scotland and with the support of Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance, the study surveyed 238 young carers across Scotland.
The research found that young carers with the highest caring responsibilities – between a third and a quarter of respondents – tend to report more negative health effects than those with lower levels of caring; are generally less happy; report more stress-related items; and get less sleep and are more likely to report sleep difficulties.
To access the Report click here