Ayr youth work project up for national awards
dailyrecord.co.ukA local youth work project has been selected as a finalist for the National Youth Work Awards 2024.South Ayrshire Young Carers have been nominated for the Equality and Diversity Award, sponsored by YMCA Scotland.The Weekend is a short film created by a group of young carers supported by South Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership, in partnership with Thriving Communities, offering a powerful exploration of their lived experiences and challenges.The youth-led initiative, supported by multiagency practitioners who are themselves former young carers, stands as a testament to the project’s authenticity and relevance.The film is not only a tool for raising awareness across Scotland and the UK but also serves as a vital training resource for staff in schools and youth organisations, thanks to its inclusion in a national CPD accredited module by Education Scotland and Carers Trust Scotland.Originally designed for local audiences, the film’s impact has expanded significantly, having been recognised through awards and extensive media coverage.
It tackles crucial issues such as parental substance use, inspiring young carers to embrace their roles with pride and confront stigma head on.Winning the Scottish Public Services Award for Championing Diversity & Inclusion, The Weekend has created an enduring legacy, enhancing support for young carers, challenging misconceptions, and fostering a deeper understanding of their experiences.With known cases of young carers rising fivefold in recent years, the project has notably increased the visibility of young carers, enabling access to much-needed support.
The young participants themselves have grown personally, socially, and emotionally, discovering new skills and talents while
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