Dundee Carers Centre has developed an electronic shopping card for young carers in a Scottish first.
The first 20 cards have been issued to those who have responsibilities for shopping and picking up medication for family members.
It is hoped they card will ease the pressure on young people during the Covid-19 crisis, especially when accessing protected periods in supermarkets and pharmacies to pick up vital supplies.
The Dundee initiative is already attracting significant interest from similar organisations across Scotland and the centre is helping other organisations produce their own versions of the card.
Sarah Boath, team manager (Carers Support Services) said: “We identified that due to panic buying, and increased restrictions due to the lockdown, some young carers were experiencing difficulties and increased anxiety in carrying out this role.
“We liaised with Dundee Volunteer & Voluntary Action (DVVA) to raise awareness of this card with local retailers and supermarkets.
“Local authority and health and social care partners and have also been in contact with Tayside Division of Police Scotland so their officers are also aware of the scheme”.
The centre is continuing to take referrals and any young carer with responsibility for shopping and/or collecting medication should contact 01382 200422 or email centre@dundeecarerscentre.org.uk
