Young Carers Forum

The Young Carers forum is a group of 8 Young Carers from all over South Lanarkshire who meet on a monthly basis to discuss issues that affect Young Carers.  The forum is Young Carer led and the members come from differing backgrounds and experiences of caring, and range between 13-18 years old.  Forum members also have two representatives on South Lanarkshire's Youth Council.

The purpose and aims of the forum are to:

• Raise awareness of Young Carers and their issues
• Influence the positive progress of the South Lanarkshire Young Carers Service
• Represent Young Carers from across South Lanarkshire
• Build self confidence with members
• Provide support where appropriate to Young Carers aged 18+ in South Lanarkshire

The forum seeks to meet its aims by:

• Holding business meetings every 4 weeks and additionally where appropriate and agreed by the forum
• Having activity based outings every fourth meeting
• Regularly consulting with Young Carers in South Lanarkshire
• Having active representations in appropriate organisations
• Decisions being made in a fair and democratic way
• Making our views available to the Local Authority and other relevant organisations who wish input from Young Carers
• Accessing training opportunities for members
• Meeting new people and establishing networks/links
• Being involved where appropriate in National Young Carers events and organisations

The forum also act as a consultation group, to which local authority or other organisations can approach for honest feedback with regards to changes in service provision or any other appropriate matters relating to Young Carers.