ALISS at the Scottish Young Carers Festival 2025

We met inspiring young carers and shared how ALISS can help them to find local support for health, wellbeing and caring needs.

This year, ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) were delighted to host a stall at the Annual Scottish Young Carers Festival in the beautiful surroundings of Fife. The sun shone over a truly inspiring day filled with lots of energy, colour and insightful conversations. Set up in the bustling Marketplace Marquee, we joined a wide range of organisations to showcase the different services and support available across Scotland.

With over 500 young carers attending, the festival was a vibrant celebration of their strength and dedication. Many had been camping since the night before and arrived at the Marketplace covered in glitter, braids and face paint, fully embracing the festival spirit. It was a heartening reminder that whilst these carers carry significant responsibilities at home, they are also still young people, who deserve to have fun and enjoy themselves.

We were particularly moved by how many young carers came to our stall, curious and eager to learn about ALISS, it was definitely one of the best parts of the day, having genuine, open conversations with young people of all ages. We spoke about the different categories on ALISS that might relate to them, such as youth groups, short breaks and physical, creative and social activities. It was clear from our conversations that they were not just interested in what health and wellbeing services were available for themselves, but also for the people they care for at home, parents, siblings and other loved ones. Their maturity and thoughtfulness came through in every interaction.

We spoke to Abbie who is the Young Carers Team Coordinator at the East Renfrewshire Carers Centre. She spoke very highly of the festival, saying that it was an excellent opportunity to help raise the profile of young carers and the crucial support they provide to loved ones every day. Abbie also shared that the festival gave young carers the opportunity to share their thoughts on the issues that impact their lives the most. Abbie highlighted some of the main issues that young carers face, which included having more access to breaks from their caring roles as well as the financial challenges that come with being a carer.

This message resonated deeply throughout the day. While the festival is an incredible opportunity for recognition and celebration, it also helped us focus on the ongoing challenges young carers face. A recurring theme in conversations was the need for greater awareness and support within schools, particularly around helping their teachers and peers better understand their roles at home and the impact this might have on them at school.

We were also grateful for the chance to connect with a range of organisations such as MECOPP and Enquire, local councillors and MSPs. Many showed great interest in ALISS but particularly our recently updated Teacher Toolkit. Developed in collaboration with two high schools and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the Teacher Toolkit empowers young people to express their needs, manage their wellbeing, and understand the resources available to them. Combined with the ALISS platform, it also promotes digital skills and strengthens connections to local communities.

All in all, the festival was a truly uplifting experience. We left feeling inspired by the young carers we met – their strength, curiosity, and commitment to those they care for. ALISS is proud to support their journey, and we look forward to continuing to raise awareness, build connections, and help carers of all ages discover the support they deserve. Start searching for services today on ALISS or get in touch at hello@aliss.org.

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