12th Scottish Young Carers Festival

That the Parliament welcomes the 12th Scottish Young Carers Festival, a three-day residential event that takes place between 31 July and 2 August 2019; notes that this event, which is hosted by Carers Trust Scotland, will bring together almost 400 unpaid young carers from all over Scotland; recognises that the Festival offers a fun respite experience for young carers for them to try exciting activities that are different from those normally available in their day-to-day lives, and importantly allows them time away from their caring responsibilities to have fun and be children and young people; appreciates that the event provides a place for young people to meet others with shared experiences, allowing them to make friends in the knowledge that all participants have an understanding of how a caring role can impact the life of a young person; understands that it also offers designated spaces for consultations with young carers, giving them an opportunity to share their lived experiences in a way that is comfortable and appropriate for them, which contributes to an understanding of the young carer landscape at a national level; notes that the Festival offers valuable networking opportunities for young carer workers, as well as organisations working with young carers at a national level, to gain insight into what is on offer for young carers and gaining connections that are useful in delivering a comprehensive service to them; values the immense contribution young carers make to society; recognises the importance of the Scottish Young Carers Festival, and believes that appropriate services and support should be available to all young carers in Scotland to ensure they have a fair chance to follow their aspirations and live fulfilled lives.