Tag: Health and wellbeing

Ben’s 100 day challenge to support MND charities

Trinity Academy pupil kicks off 2021 facing 1042 miles on the road

#Bens100days

My name is Ben Liddall and I am 17 years old. I am attempting to run a total of 1042 miles in the first 100 days of 2021 for MND Scotland and the My Names Doddie foundation. 

On July 15th, 2020 I was involved in a cycling accident and as a result, received a serious concussion. It was made clear to me that it could have gone a lot worse and I got off incredibly lucky.

As part of my recovery, I was confined to bed for 2 weeks, with no technology, no exercise, and no strain. This gave me a lot of time to think without distraction and I decided that within 4 weeks of my recovery I would run my first marathon. I had never run long distance before, my main form of exercise was rugby, but after intense training, on August 25th, in amongst a storm, I ran my first marathon.

I then realised this was something I was passionate about and that I enjoyed, but also something I realised I could use to help others. I decided to set myself a new goal – run 1042 miles in the first 100 days of 2021 in support of the My Names Doddie foundation and MND Scotland. 

Why 1042 miles? Well, one of my main passions is rugby and I would be running this distance around the time of the 6 Nations and also in support of Doddie so I decided to run the distance of Murrayfield, to the Aviva in Dublin, to the Principality in Wales, to Twickenham in England, and back to Murrayfield which is … you guessed it, 1042 miles!

This means I will be running around 10.42 miles every day, sometimes more sometimes less, and finishing on April 10th, 2021.

I would appreciate any donation no matter how big or small to help the ongoing battle against MND.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the general name given to a group of illnesses which affect the body’s motor nerves – these are called motor neurones. MND is a progressive, incurable illness. 

In a healthy person, the motor neurones carry signals from the brain directly to the muscles. However, MND stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. Therefore, over time muscles weaken and eventually stop working. 

It is important to remember that not everyone is affected by MND in the same ways. Every case of MND takes its own course, but the disease may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe unaided. 

Some people may also experience changes in their behaviour, personality and the way they think. This may affect their ability to plan tasks on a daily basis and how they communicate with others. A small number of people may experience severe changes which are associated with a type of Dementia, called Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).

Any money donated to either MND Scotland, or My Names Doddie will be used to help people affected by MND in Scotland, and will help fund practical, financial, and emotional services throughout Scotland, including; one-to-one counselling, benefits advice, complementary therapy, a loan of our communications equipment, support groups and more. You’ll also be funding vital research, in Scotland, to help take us a step closer to finding a cure for this devastating illness.

Instagram: @ben.liddall

Facebook: /Bens100days

Twitter: @Bens100days

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bens100days

Call to increase funding for drugs rehabilitation beds

National Records of Scotland figures released in December) revealed that the number of drug related deaths in Edinburgh and the Lothians have risen from a previous record high last year of 152 to a new record high of 155.

The number of drug related deaths in Scotland have risen from 1,187 in 2018 to 1,264 in 2019 (the latest figures available).

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called on increased funding for rehabilitation beds in NHS Lothian, to support drug addicts in their recovery from drugs.

Current services in NHS Lothian include:

In NHS Lothian we provide no residential rehabilitation beds as such.  What we do provide is a service called LEAP Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme which operates in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council to provide a quasi-residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation service.

The city council provide supported accommodation for Lothian patients during the treatment which is provided by NHS Lothian.  This offers around 100 treatment places per year and a treatment episode of three months followed by up to two years of aftercare.  In 2018/19, 72% of patients were admitted with alcohol problems, 43% with a cocaine problems, 35% with opiate problems and 31% with benzodiazepine problems.

Two thirds of patients had problems with two or more drugs which is why the percentages are greater than 100.

The Scottish Conservatives have called for a dedicated £20 million Scottish Recovery Fund, backed by recovery organisations including Favor Scotland, Phoenix Futures and Jericho House, to replace the cuts to rehab over the last 13 years.

In Edinburgh the number of drug related deaths has risen by 1, from 95 to 96, in East Lothian the number of drug related deaths has remained the same at 18, in West Lothian the number of drug related deaths dropped by 2 from 25 to 23 and in Midlothian the number of drug related deaths has risen from by 4 from 14 to 18.  

In the last 10 years the number of drug related deaths has more than doubled in Lothian from 73 deaths in 2010 to 155 deaths in 2019.

The number of drug related deaths from Heroin, in Lothian, has risen from 56 in 2018 to 69 in 2019.

Drug related deaths from Benzodiazepine rose from 94 in 2018 to 109 in 2019, with “street” Benzodiazepine drug related deaths rising from 69 to 85, of which Etizolam rose from 42 to 72.

Drug related deaths from cocaine rose from 51 in 2018 to 62 in 2019 and the number of alcohol related deaths dropped from 25 in 2018 to 22 in 2019.  

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Every single drug death in Scotland is a tragedy and it is deeply concerning that the number of drug related deaths has risen year on year.

“Cuts to drug rehab beds and addiction programmes by SNP Ministers have been counterproductive in reducing drug related deaths in Scotland.

“The Scottish Conservatives have called on a £20 million Scottish Recovery Fund, to shift the focus from methadone prescriptions to drug rehabilitation programmes.

“SNP Ministers have failed to prevent people from using drugs in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s or to support people off drugs if they have become addicted.”

https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/vital-events/deaths/drug-related-deaths-in-scotland/2019

Council area120092010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Scotland5454855845815276147068689341,1871,264
City of Edinburgh4547485764716990849596
East Lothian67868111011121818
Midlothian97488768191418
West Lothian2112131910161519222523
Lothian8173739090105100128137152155
NHS Board area (2019)All drug-related deathsHeroin / morphine 2MethadoneHeroin / morphine, Methadone or Bupren-orphineCodeine or a codeine-containing compoundDihydro-codeine or a d.h.c-containing compoundAny opiate or opioidBenzodiazepinesGabapentin and/or PregabalinCocaineEcstasy-typeAmphet-aminesAlcohol
Any benzo-diazepineof which:of which:
any “Prescrib-able” benzo-diazepine 3any “Street” benzo-diazepine 3
of which:of which:
DiazepamEtizolam
Scotland1,264        645        560        959        55        116        1,092        888        195        179        814        752        438        365        25        51        137        
Ayrshire & Arran108        58        50        85        1        8        98        78        4        2        76        70        40        24        0        4        5        
Borders16        4        3        7        0        3        10        10        5        5        8        7        6        1        2        2        3        
Dumfries & Galloway35        16        10        21        3        2        27        16        2        2        16        14        9        9        2        1        1        
Fife81        38        40        61        11        6        71        54        22         20        47        40        42        15        4        9        9        
Forth Valley75        46        40        61        5        2        67        63        20        20        58        52        39        20        0        5        7        
Grampian82        46        32        58        4        14        68        40        36        36        14        3        25        45        2        2        17         
Greater Glasgow & Clyde404        198        191        315        5        39        349        306        11        5        305        300        111        107        6        11        39        
Highland24        13        10        18        1        2        23        9        3        3        9        7        7        4        0        0        2        
Lanarkshire163        83        64        122        8        8        137        106        7        3        104        101        41        48        6        2        13        
Lothian155        69        72        110        11        18        126        109         60        59        85        72        73        62

Keeping an eye on health promises

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called for clarity over upcoming NHS Lothian infrastructure projects.

Last month (w/c 14th December) it was announced that the Scottish Government was withdrawing £45 million funding for a new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion hospital. An initial agreement for the new hospital had already been agreed and a business case submitted in May 2019.

In a Written Answer from the Scottish Government this month, Lothian MSP Miles Briggs, was informed that an Initial Agreement, IA, had been submitted from NHS Lothian for a new Edinburgh Cancer Centre and a decision would be made this month (December) by the Capital Investment Group, CIG, based on the strategic case.

The new Edinburgh Cancer Centre would provide services for Cancer patients across the South East of Scotland.

At the start of this year, prior to Covid-19, it was announced that plans for a new Edinburgh Cancer Centre would be delayed to 2030 from the original planned date of 2025. The Scottish Government committed to investing £20 million in the current Edinburgh Cancer Centre to keep it going until the new Centre is ready.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The confusion around new NHS Lothian infrastructure projects is extremely concerning and clarity is urgently needed on what projects are being funded.

“We are in desperate need of a replacement Edinburgh Cancer Centre, which will benefit the whole of the South East of Scotland, and is expected to be another decade before it is ready.

“The wait for routine eye treatments, such as for Glaucoma, are already incredibly long in NHS Lothian and patients deserve better than being short changed by SNP Ministers.

“I will hold SNP Ministers to their word to get these essential projects in NHS Lothian funded.

“SNP Ministers have underfunded NHS Lothian for the last 10 years. We need to see the health board receive their fair share of health funding in the upcoming budget.”

Dry January tips

10 Dry January tips from RUARI FAIRBAIRNS, Co-Founder and CEO of Edinburgh’s One Year No Beer:

How to set yourself up for successfully drinking less next year, when so many of us have relied on alcohol to help get through the pandemic:

2020 has been such a challenging year for so many, but it’s time to think about how to start planning for success – God knows we all deserve some!

With this in mind, here are my 10 top tips to help you get ahead of the game so that you can go into 2021, firmly on your A-game. 

  1. Be sure to stock up on alcohol-free drinks so that when you’re feeling the need to drink something at the end of a long day, there are plenty of tasty alternatives for you to enjoy. Why not order yourself a new different alcohol-free drink to try every weekend throughout January and February so that you can look forward to having a tasting session and enjoying and talking about the different flavours? Make it exciting!
  2. Cutting back on the booze will also do wonders for your bank balance so pick something that you have wanted for a long time and then set aside the money that you would have otherwise spent on alcohol, so that you can save up for it and finally buy it.
  3. Make a promise to yourself that you are going to get healthy in 2021 – use the calorie calculator on the OYNB website to calculate how many calories you will be saving by cutting back on the booze.
  4. Remind yourself of the importance of sleep when it comes to mental and physical health – alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, it’s a myth that a glass of wine will help you to relax enough to sleep. Alcohol causes slow-wave and REM sleep cycles to be impacted, resulting in shorter sleep cycles which are disrupted. After removing alcohol from your diet you will sleep in deeper and longer cycles and this will really help your body to rest and repair each night.
  1. Set yourself a fitness goal – whether it’s a marathon, or simply a 5km walk around the local park, once alcohol is removed from your diet, your body will have more energy for physical exercise, so help yourself to stay on track, by picking something to focus on and work towards.
  1. Speaking of exercise, remind yourself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. There is no point abstaining from alcohol in January, only to go full throttle at it again in February. This will simply do more damage than good. Take some time to educate yourself about the shorter-term benefits of abstaining from alcohol – these only improve over time.
  1. Forgive yourself for ‘blips’ – Much like dieting, which is also bad for you! – people slip up from time to time and instead of giving up because you are disappointed in yourself, learn to quickly forgive yourself so that you can put it behind you and get back on track. There’s no use wallowing in one bad decision or a moment of weakness. In fact, focus on your Streak achieved instead!
  1. Address barriers to your success head-on by explaining to your friends and loved ones, what you are doing and why – maybe even ask them to get on board and join you. By speaking directly to these people and explaining why you are not drinking, it will help you to get them on side, and enable them to see things from your perspective.
  2. Tune in to the impact of alcohol on your mental health – Alcohol is one of the most common and unhelpful coping strategies for stress, depression and anxiety. Yet overuse of alcohol can contribute to the worsening of mental health issues and lead to lower moods and anxiety. Using alcohol will not address any mental health problems, but only make these issues worse.
  1. Finally, if you are still struggling with all of this, take some time to identify what might be sitting at the root cause of your need to drink alcohol – is it your job? Are you having problems in your relationship? Have you got money worries? If you take some time to uncover the triggers, then this will go a long way to helping you to address them.

Founded in 2015, OYNB is an award-winning behaviour change programme and online toolkit for surviving modern society alcohol-free, aimed at anyone drinking more than 3 glasses of wine a week.

With a member base of over 80,000, they believe that having a community is crucial to making a positive lifestyle change, and so the founders are constantly finding new and exciting ways to provide this support.

OYNB is not an abstinence programme; it is not about eliminating alcohol entirely. It’s about empowering people to break down old habits and build new ones, creating a positive mindset that lets the individual take back control and make clear-sighted decisions.  They are now developing technology that will enable members to connect over their common goals, such as caffeine, sugar, gambling and social media.

For more information visit https://www.oneyearnobeer.com 

Covid: Second vaccine approved

Oxford/AstaZeneca vaccine gets the green light

The UK Government has this morning accepted the recommendation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to authorise Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine for use.

This follows rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data by experts at the MHRA, which has concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will also publish its latest advice for the priority groups to receive this vaccine.

The NHS has a clear vaccine delivery plan and decades of experience in delivering large scale vaccination programmes. It has already vaccinated hundreds of thousands of patients with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and its roll out will continue. Now the NHS will begin putting their extensive preparations into action to roll out the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Health Minister Matt Hancock hailed the news as ‘a real British succes story’.

Throughout this global pandemic the UK Government says they have always been guided by the latest scientific advice.

Having studied evidence on both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccines, the JCVI has advised the priority should be to give as many people in at-risk groups their first dose, rather than providing the required two doses in as short a time as possible.

Everyone will still receive their second dose and this will be within 12 weeks of their first. The second dose completes the course and is important for longer term protection.

From today the NHS across the UK will prioritise giving the first dose of the vaccine to those in the most high-risk groups. With two vaccines now approved, we will be able to vaccinate a greater number of people who are at highest risk, protecting them from the disease and reducing mortality and hospitalisation.

The JCVI’s independent advice is that this approach will maximise the benefits of both vaccines. It will ensure that more at-risk people are able to get meaningful protection from a vaccine in the coming weeks and months, reducing deaths and starting to ease pressure on our NHS.

To aid the success of the vaccination programme, it is vital everyone continues to play their part, abides by the restrictions in their area and remembers hands, face, space so we can suppress this virus and allow the NHS to do its work without being overwhelmed.

News of the second vaccine is timely – yesterday’s coronavirus figures were particularly grim. 53,135 new cases were reported across the UK on Tuesday. 1895 of these were in Scotland – our worst daily figure since the country was first hit by the virus back in February.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will make a statement later today. She is expected to welcome the Oxford/AstraZeneca announcement but will appeal to Scots to strictly adhere to current coronavirus guidelines over the New Year period.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has welcomed news that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the UK.

This means we can now proceed with arrangements for doses of the vaccine, which is the second coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to be approved for use after the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, to be made available to our distribution centres throughout Scotland.

The vaccine has been procured on behalf of the four nations by the UK Government, who have ordered 100 million doses, of which Scotland will get 8.2% based on its population. We will begin to roll the vaccine out from 4th January, in the settings we have already been delivering in, moving out into more community settings from the 11th January.  

For this vaccine as for Pfizer, the intention is to provide an important layer of protection to all adults but particularly those most at risk from serious illness and death from COVID-19.  With age as the greatest risk factor, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have retained the same phase 1 priority list. 

The priority now is to vaccinate as many people with their first dose as quickly as possible, working through that priority list and the advice that the second dose for both vaccines can be given up to 12 weeks after the first means we can maximise this protection quicker than planned.  The second dose remains critical for longer term protection and to complete the course.

Ms Freeman said: “At the end of a very difficult year this is a truly excellent piece of news. Oxford AstraZeneca has the major advantage of being much easier to store and transport, which means it is easier to administer in local settings. We are also expecting to receive it in significantly larger quantities than the Pfizer vaccine.

“With the four Chief Medical officers agreeing with the advice that we should prioritise delivering first vaccine doses to as many people on the JCVI Phase 1 priority list in the shortest possible timeframe, we are now able to maximise the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations for those at greatest risk.”

“When it is your turn to be vaccinated you will be contacted by your local health board and I urge you to please take up the offer.

“Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic.  But as we vaccinate as many people as quickly as supplies allow, we have a new more transmissible strain of COVID-19. 

“That makes it vital that we all continue our  work to suppress the virus in Scotland, rigorously complying with the restrictions where we live and making sure we continue to wear face coverings, maintain 2m distance from others outside our own household and wash our hands regularly.

“These three strands – following all we need to do to suppress the virus, using our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and rolling out vaccination as fast as supplies allow- are the three critical actions that will see us move, step by step, to a brighter spring and summer in 2021.”

Emergency Services: Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health

NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are working together to support mental health and wellbeing for people across Scotland during the Festive Season.  

After a year like no other for the people of Scotland and our NHS and emergency services, the Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of mental health information and services that support mental health.

The three organisations have been working together to develop new ways to support people in mental health distress when they contact the services.

People calling Police Scotland in mental health distress may now be offered access to the NHS Mental Health Hub service. The Scottish Ambulance Service is also able to support some callers through a similar pathway.

Under the banner ‘Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health’ the partners are able to signpost to a range of self-help guides and options for further support. Online information is available for a range of day to day concerns such as anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.

NHS 24 offers a range of online mental health guides through NHSinform.scot as well as the 111 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space’s telephone and web chat services.

Vicky Burnham, Consultant Paramedic in Dementia and Clinical Lead for Mental Health with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “We have been faced with many different challenges this year as a result of Covid-19 and all key workers have gone above and beyond, providing exceptional care throughout the year during an unprecedented global pandemic.

“With social interactions being limited as a result of restrictions this year, it’s vital that health care providers and emergency services are able to provide additional support to those who require help related to anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.

“We look forward to working alongside our colleagues at Police Scotland and NHS24 to ensure we continue to provide the very best care to patients across Scotland.”

Stephanie Phillips, Director of Service Delivery, NHS 24 said: “”We are pleased to be working together with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide the best possible outcomes for people in mental health distress.

“We know this Festive Season is going to be very different for everyone and many people will feel more anxious than usual. Our online resources are a good place to look for the first steps to support and self-care. If you need help now there are a range of services available to you. Our team are here to help those getting in touch with our services with a compassionate response.”

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for Breathing Space said: “We know that this time of year can be a particularly poignant and difficult time for some.  This year there will be many people who are facing bereavement, anxiety and stress, perhaps for the first time.

“Talking about how you feel, and being listened to, can make all the difference. Our Breathing Space advisors are here to listen and respond when you need someone to support you.”

Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland, Gary Ritchie said: “It is the challenge of all in public service to ensure that when people need help, they get it at the right time from the most appropriate agency.

“This is why we have strengthened our work with NHS and SAS colleagues, to make sure that those callers who are suffering mental ill health can now be referred directly to a qualified health professional. We will never step away from people in crisis where they have nowhere else to turn.”

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Make ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ your New Year’s resolution

FOLK in Edinburgh and the Lothians are being challenged to kick start the New Year by taking steps to support Cancer Research UK. 

The charity is urging people to sign up now to Walk All Over Cancer and get sponsored to take 10,000 steps every day for a month.

By raising vital funds, people across the region could help to get life-saving research back on track after the impact of COVID-19 – while burning off any excess Christmas calories. As well as helping towards a healthy body weight, taking part could take a little weight off the mind too. Regular walking is a great stress-reliever and can help with mental wellbeing by improving mood and sleep.

Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Scotland, said: “Fundraising has fallen and right now, future research is at risk – that’s why we’re urging as many people as possible to make ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ their New Year’s resolution.

“We all hope that 2021 has a more positive outlook. So why not give yourself a boost by committing to get more active and having an achievable goal to aim for – all in aid of a good cause.

“There’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge in March and planning new ways to fit in some extra steps.

“Sticking to a resolution can be hard, especially through the cold, dark winter months, but registering now and making a public pledge to take part in the Spring, could help people steel their resolve. Plus, there’s the ultimate motivation of knowing every step you take will be helping to save lives.”

Based on the average person’s strides, 10,000 steps is equal to about five miles, so by the end of March participants will have clocked up more than 150 miles.

That’s quite a challenge for some but adopting small changes that you can stick to can really add up – whether it’s doing conference calls on the go, exploring local beauty spots or treating the dog to a month of extra-long walks.

Keeping check on the number of steps taken each day is a great way to create a sense of achievement and it’s easy to do with smartphone apps, pedometers and wearable activity trackers available to help. Walk All Over Cancer is now integrated with FitBit, so that participants can automatically publish their step count on their fundraising page throughout the month.

Linda added: “With around 32,400 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Scotland*, we’re working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

“The truth is COVID-19 has slowed us down, but we will never stop striving to create better treatments for tomorrow. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. That’s why we need everyone to step up to Walk All Over Cancer.”

Before the outbreak, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £8 million in Edinburgh on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

To sign up and receive a free fundraising pack, with tips and ideas to help with the challenge, visit cruk.org/walkallover.

Participants are being encouraged to use #WalkAllOverCancer and tag @CR_UK when sharing their challenge on social media.

New mental health gym launched

Soul Sanity – the UK’s online mental health gym – has launched, supporting members to focus on improving their mental health from the comfort of their own homes.

The membership-based service offers a range of activities that are scientifically proven to relieve stress and anxiety, improve mindfulness and encourage the release of the “feel good” hormone dopamine.

Holly Novick, Founder, said: “There are so many gyms out there for your physical health but nothing that focuses specifically on your mental health.

“Soul Sanity is truly unique in that way. It was something I personally felt I needed during a time of grief. I needed an outlet to feel better but all I got was fist-pumping music lifting weights, one to one therapy sessions which I found difficult to open up in and suggestions for tablets which I thought could be a slippery road.

“I also didn’t want to mask how I was feeling, I knew my body was acting this way as a signal because something was wrong. I needed a fix not a quick fix so Soul Sanity’s really been an idea in the making for a while and coincidently the pandemic has hit at the same time perhaps making it the perfect storm”.

Unlike other platforms, all sessions are broadcast live, with a large variety available to participate in including:

  • Mindfulness – To relax the senses, reset and unwind
  • Art for Art’s Sake – Finding new ways to express creativity
  • Mastermind – Focus on learning new skills from languages to chess
  • Kid’s Corner – Fun and educational activities to enjoy with children
  • Food Glorious Food – Connecting through the power of food
  • Musical Genius – Mood-boosting music sessions, from guitar to singing
  • Garden Life – Connecting with nature in our own back garden
  • Tender, Love & Care (TLC) – Online support from qualified psychotherapists

Anyone can join soulsanity.co.uk with a one-month free trial on offer at soulsanity.co.uk/memberships. Gift cards are also available to share with loved ones during the festive season and throughout the year.

More than 2000 Scots receive Young Carer Grant in first year

The Scottish Government has paid £600,000 to eligible young carers in the first year of the new benefit. Over 2000 young carers received a payment between October 2019 and October 2020.

The Young Carer Grant is a payment of £305.10 for young people, aged 16, 17 and 18, who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.

This is an annual payment and young carers who still meet the eligibility should apply again once a year has passed since the date of their previous successful application. The money can be spent on anything that they like, for example a subscription to a video or music streaming service, new clothes or anything that helps them take a break from their caring responsibilities.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Young Carer Grant is the first benefit of its kind in the UK and I am delighted that we have been able to help so many young carers over the course of the past year.

“We have continued to work with key stakeholders throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure eligible young carers are still getting access to the support they are entitled to.

“These young people play a vital role in our society and I am proud we can help give them the recognition they deserve.

“Young people often don’t realise that what they are doing is caring – it is just part of their day to day life. If you help someone who gets a disability benefit with anything from going to the shops or even giving emotional support, this could be for you. I encourage any young people in this circumstance to look into this, check if they are eligible and to apply. And if it’s been a year since you last submitted your application – make sure you apply again to get your money and treat yourself.”

Cameron, a young carer, now aged 19 from Perthshire said: “I care for my mum, she has mental health issues and she is not able to stand or walk for a certain distance without support.

“I make my mum breakfast, I make sure she’s taken her medication in the morning, I help get her clothes, make her lunch and dinner and take her cups of tea throughout the day. I keep my mum company when I can and have my siblings who care for her too. I support my mum if she needs to go out and about, I’ll go with her.

“One challenge I face being a Young Carer is not getting enough spare time to go out and spend time with my friends. Also not getting enough spare time to study for college assessments and exams.

“I feel like the Covid-19 pandemic has made things more tough because I need to be there more often to support my mum, more than before the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was quite easy to apply for Young Carer Grant, I had the documents ready to print off so didn’t have any issues. I spent my grant on driving lessons.

“This year, I won’t be reapplying as I have now turned 19, but my younger sibling turned 16 recently so I am going to encourage him to apply because he also cares for my mum.”

Emma, a young carer, aged 17 from Perthshire said: “My mum has a long term health condition which renders her physically disabled. I mainly help with practical tasks like cleaning the house and cooking for my family. I also help with small errands like picking up medication and doing the food shopping. I help my mum through her mental health difficulties as well.

“One of the main challenges I face being a young carer is just less time to do everything! Less time to complete things.

“The Covid-19 pandemic increased my workload at home because we were at home more. Also with my mum being high risk it has been pretty nerve wracking.

“I spent my payment last year mostly on personal things for myself like clothes. I also used it to pay for a lot of lunches for school.

“I will reapply for the grant this year and will probably put it towards university.

“Anyone that is responsible for another member of their household should apply for the grant because caring can really take it out of you so it’s nice to have something of your own for you. If you have all of your paperwork ready then it’s easy but if you don’t it can be quite tricky to find the right documents.”

Paul Traynor, Policy and External Affairs Manager at Carers Trust Scotland said: “Carers Trust Scotland commend the Scottish Government for introducing the innovative Young Carer Grant last year, the first of its kind in the UK.

“Many young carers have difficulty accessing and participating in opportunities that are the norm for many other young people. This grant helps to recognise the immense contribution of young carers in Scotland.

“The Young Carer Grant has benefited many young carers to take part in more activities, pursue more of their aspirations and has helped to reduce social isolation.

“Many young carers have benefited from this support over the last year and we would encourage all young carers who are eligible to apply for a Young Carer Grant.”