Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay is backing a new campaign being launched to raise awareness of support for young carers.

The campaign between the Scottish Government and Young Scot will use social media to reach carers aged 16-24 who may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance but are not claiming it, using platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to reach young adults.

An estimated 49,000 people in Scotland aged 16-24 are carers.

Mr Mackay said:

“Young carers make an immense contribution to our society – often making large personal sacrifices to care for loved ones.

“That is why the SNP Government is committed to doing all we can to help carers and give them the support they deserve.

“The current UK benefit system fails to make sure that carers, and particularly young adult carers, know what support they are entitled to and how to apply to receive it.

“So during Carers Week, I am joining the campaign and encourage all young Carers to find out what you could be entitled to.”