Quarriers Transforming Lives

Quarriers Carer Support

Through our Carers Service in Moray we support 850 Carers of all ages. They may not be what you expect. They may not be what they expect. Many young people are unaware they've become a Carer, especially when the problem centres around substance abuse.

It can have a terribly destructive impact upon the home and all aspects of a young Carer's life. Sadly, in Moray, alcohol abuse is twice the national average.

The role of the  Quarriers team is to find these young Carers and then  develop a trusting relationship with them so they feel able to be open and frank about their situation and what changes would make a real difference to them. Our role is to help minimise the caring role and to ensure they have the same opportunities as all other young people in their community.

Our biggest challenge is finding these young people, who are often embarrassed or too scared of the consequences if they come forward and ask for help.

Our latest successful project involved drama workshops that took the issue into the heart of schools and youth groups, reaching 1000 young people. Each workshop was facilitated by our Young Carer Support Worker and local drama experts from Elgin Youth Café. We used role-playing technique called freeze frame  to explore the feelings of everyone in a family where someone is misusing substances.. We made it clear that we were here to help and, crucially, it was confidential.

Crucially, we emphasised the importance for young people supporting friends who may live in this situation to come forward. We know from previous experience that young people are more likely to ask for help with the support of someone they already trust.

The project has already had an impact:  after the sessions 100 children came forward saying they would like more information and 50 said they would like to speak to a Young Carer Support Worker.

Some opened up about an unravelling situation at home, some sought further information or practical advice, some were worried this was already happening to friends, some just needed someone to talk to.

An added benefit of the workshops is that we raised awareness among teaching staff and youth workers, who are now more aware and able to identify and understand the challenges these young people face. They also know we are here to help and refer them to us.

Our support is tailored to the individual and can be as simple as providing a break so the child affected can enjoy swimming with their friends every week instead of being left at home, taking care of a family member, it can be information so they better understand the addiction, or it could be a regular opportunity to talk about worries to someone who understands, or an opportunity to meet up with other young people living in similar circumstances. Our role is to make a real, positive, long-lasting difference to the young people we support.