Monday, 10th February was a guest evening for Anstruther Rotary club and it was a pleasure to welcome family and friends. Especially welcome were friends who helped deliver cards and letters for the club’s annual ‘Christmas Postal Delivery Service’. £3,470 was raised for charitable and good causes – and at 20p a card it means that 17,350 cards were sorted and delivered! A great outcome even if there were a few sore feet!

Guest speaker at the meeting was Mr Roy MacGregor, manager of Fife Young Carers. Mr MacGregor gave a very interesting illustrated talk about the work of FYC, which is a charitable organisation that exists to provide support to young carers.

These are young people who look after parents or brothers and sisters who are ill or have a disability, which affects the whole family. We heard that there are more than 4,000 young carers in Fife aged 8 to 18 and for whom FYC run support groups. We heard too of the challenge that caring presents and of the emotional, physical and developmental affects on young carers. It was sobering to learn that 21% of people in Fife have a long-term limiting illness.

Tasks that young carers take on include domestic chores like cleaning, cooking and shopping. Personal care such as washing, dressing and toileting. Family responsibilities; caring for younger siblings, managing money, paying domestic bills. Even medical care, including medication and injections. On top of this is the emotional support for other family members and the person cared for.

FYC helps by organising support groups, giving practical advice and information, emotional support, help with schooling, further education and jobs - and help getting personal assistance and family support.

Support is also provided during school holidays by arranging day activities and outings with opportunities too for longer stays away on activity trips.

Following questions, Mr MacGregor was thanked by club president Alastair Graham.      

More about Fife Young Carers is at (http://fifeyoungcarers.co.uk)