HELENSBURGH and Lomond’s MSP Jackie Baillie has urged young carers in the area to sign up to the Scottish Government’s 2019 Young Carer Grant.

Applications opened on October 21 for any carer aged 16, 17 or 18.

The Young Carer Grant has been designed to support young carers during a significant transitional period of their life, to access the same opportunities as their non-caring peers.

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The young carers must be caring for someone on certain disability benefits for an average of 16 hours a week to access the £300 a year grant.

Ms Baillie said: “The Young Carer Grant is a fantastic opportunity for young carers in my constituency to receive funding so that they don’t miss out on the opportunities that many young people who don’t have caring responsibilities are able to enjoy.

“Young carers make significant sacrifices in every aspect of their life due to the care-giving responsibilities that they have.

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“This grant will ensure they can lead as normal a life as possible and helps them to reach their potential, like every other young person.

“I encourage any in my constituency to consider applying and to get in touch with my office if they need help with their application.”