“We’re going to the Zoo!”: Young carers enjoy a break this Carers Week

Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday 12 June, thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

The event is part of Carers Week 2025 and is a chance to recognise the important role young carers play in their families and communities. It offers a space for young carers to take a break, connect with others in similar situations and simply enjoy being young.

This free trip provides a rare break for many of the young carers attending, some as young as five years old who often juggle school, caring responsibilities and everyday life, frequently without recognition or support.

More than one in five (22%) young carers in Scotland say they are unable to take a break from caring, and over half (54%) say having a break would help them manage their role better. Young carers in Scotland often face greater challenges than their peers - according to the latest survey data, 52% of young carers say they 'always' or 'usually' feel stressed because of their caring role, and 43% report that caring limits how much time they can spend with friends.

Young carers are children and young people who help care for a family member with a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol dependency.

This year’s Carers Week theme, “Caring About Equality”, highlights the need for better understanding of the challenges carers face and for greater inclusion in all areas of life.

Becky Duff, Director at Carers Trust Scotland, said:

“There are an estimated 30,000 young people providing unpaid care in Scotland, and this number is only set to grow. Being a young carer can have a big impact on your education, relationships and identity. Young carers can often feel unseen and unsupported, and at Carers Trust we are determined to change this.

All unpaid carers have a right to live fulfilling lives alongside their caring roles and to have a break from caring. We are delighted to be partnering with RZSS this Carers Week, to celebrate young carers and give them a chance to connect with peers, take a break from their caring role and have lots of fun.”

David Field, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), added:

“It’s a real pleasure to be hosting young carers from across Scotland. These remarkable young people take on immense responsibilities and often put the needs of others before their own. A visit to Edinburgh Zoo offers them a valuable opportunity to play, explore and bond with the natural world.

Highlighting the benefits of spending time with nature, Field continues, “We know that these moments of joy and discovery spark a lifelong love of animals and nature, which can have a lasting, positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. For young people who give so much of themselves, this is especially important.”

As part of the day, young carers will also be invited to share what caring means to them. Their voices and experiences will help raise awareness about what it’s like to be a young carer in Scotland today.