Skye and Lochalsh Young Carers highlight 22-year partnership with school

A presentation on the Skye & Lochalsh Young Carers (SLYC) service and their 22-year working relationship with Portree High School was highlighted today to Members of the Council’s Education Committee.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “Our pupils who provide a caring role at home are a resilient and incredible group of young people. It is essential that we continue to work with the SLYC to make sure our young carers are supported and have a safe space which is accessible to them to talk and have some fun. I am delighted that the great work of the service and the partnership with Portree High School has been highlighted at today’s Committee, it is important that we recognise the hard work of those involved so the service can continue to provide this vital service across the Skye and Lochalsh area. It is also important we learn from pockets of good practice like this to support Young Carers right across Highland.”

The SLYC service was established in 2000 and since then has been providing support to young carers and former young carers across the Skye and Lochalsh area. There are currently over 50 members who are benefitting from the service and overall the SLYC has supported approximately 1500 young carers and their families.

The SLYC support young carers through a variety of sessions, trips and activities. Group sessions are available every day and this gives young carers the opportunity to have a safe space to talk, make new friends, and take a break from their caring role. The service also provides 1:1 support, advocacy support, respite during the holiday period, and has an open-door policy so all current and former young carers may drop in for a catch up anytime.

Head Teacher at Portree High School, Tony Breen said: “The SLYC is a vital service who work closely with our school to provide essential additional support to our young carers. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the service and supporting them in their work. This work has the ability to change the lives of some of our young people as support is available to them during a difficult period in their lives.”

You can watch the short presentation on the Council’s website.