Craig Hoy, local MSP and Dumfriesshire Conservative candidate, has recently visited the Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre to meet with staff and young carers and to learn more about their inspiring work.
Speaking after workshop style discussion with young carers at the centre, Mr Hoy said: “I was pleased to attend an event at the Dumfries and Galloway Carers Centre recently. It was nice to meet all the inspiring young carers and the staff who so diligently support them at the centre.
“Being a young carer is not easy and I have huge respect for those young people who care for a loved one. One of the big issues we discussed was access to the benefits system for young carers. This process needs to be simplified and streamlined so carers can access the money they deserve.
“All of the young carers mentioned that balancing education with caring responsibilities is very challenging, particularly when it involved travelling to school or college on public transport. The more politicians and schools are aware of these problems and are sympathetic to them the better. Policy must reflect this, and I will work with my colleagues at Holyrood on that.”
Craig was also told about more local issues, including housing and leisure facilities.
He added: “It was interesting to hear about the specific challenges faced here in Dumfries and Galloway. Access to social housing for young carers is difficult, so housing availability and accessibility must be at the forefront of future building projects.
“Access to local leisure facilities is also vital to the young carers I spoke to. Travelling out with the region is often difficult, so having local activities and leisure options here in Dumfries and Galloway with good opening hours is important.
“Everything I learned during my visit was vital, and I will now feed it back to both the council and the Scottish Government. I’ll keep working hard for a better deal for young carers.”
Mr Hoy is keen to hear more about the experiences of young carers and has urged anyone struggling to get in touch.
