A national festival celebrating the work of young carers will take place virtually this year.

The Scottish Young Carers Festival, which aims to give young carers a break from their responsibilities, has been cancelled in its 13th year due to the covid-19 pandemic.

However, Carers Trust Scotland will hold a series of events including mindfulness and yoga sessions, magic shows and live music online from the 5^th to the 7^th August.

The charity is also administering a small-grant scheme to provide support to young carers, with £100,000 of Scottish Government funding for local services.

A recent survey it carried out found young carers are having to cope with worsening mental health and a lack of time off as a result of the covid crisis.

Carers Trust Scotland said the results highlighted the need for continued support for young carers, including respite, throughout the year.

Paul Traynor, the charity’s policy and external affairs manager, said: “The pandemic has been difficult for a lot of young carers and many have reported taking on additional caring responsibilities, feeling isolated, and feeling disconnected to their friends and wider communities.

“Although some young carers may be disappointed that the annual Scottish Young Carers Festival event has been cancelled, the small-grant scheme provides new opportunities for local young carer services to plan and deliver activities to ensure young carers still have an opportunity to get a break from caring and have fun.”

He added: “We also hope that our ‘Best of the Fest’ virtual events will provide that Festival feeling that gives young carers the opportunity to be children and young people first.”

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