The Renfrewshire Young Carers Project has been awarded £5,000 by Glasgow Airport’s FlightPath Fund to pay for a respite trip to Glencoe.
Part of the Renfrewshire Carers Centre at the Old Embroidery Mill, the project provides support and much-needed respite for young people in the Renfrewshire area from their roles as carers.
As well as giving them the opportunity to have fun and meet up with other young people in similar circumstances, the project also provides information on benefits, rights, advocacy and guidance on other services.
The support provided by the FlightPath Fund will allow 12 young carers aged between eight and 18 years to take part in a four-night respite break in Glencoe.
Members of the group will take part in a host of activities including forest walks, indoor climbing, a cable car ride to the top of Aonach Mor and workshops at the Oban Chocolate Factory.
Pauline Kelly, young carers development worker at the project, said: “This award from the Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund will not only offer some amazing young people recognition for their caring roles, it also provides them with a much-needed respite break.
“The trip will have no televisions, mobile phones or computers; allowing the young carers to switch off, relax and get the chance to be children again while making positive memories that will last them a lifetime!”
Peter Carroll, who sits on the Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund’s committee, said: “Young carers are faced with various challenges at home that many of their friends and peers would not be exposed to or understand.
“As a result, they can become isolated and are often too busy providing care to a relative to actually live their own lives or enjoy the everyday experiences of childhood.
“The Fund's committee members felt that the trip to Glencoe would provide these young carers with an opportunity to mix with their friends, learn new skills and, most importantly, have some much-needed fun and time away from the pressures of their daily lives.”
To find out more about Glasgow Airport's FlightPath Fund, or to apply for support, click on the Community tab on this website.