A groundbreaking new app will offer lifeline support to young carers throughout Perth and Kinross.
Leading local charity PKAVS has become the first group of its kind in the country to launch a new smartphone service for its 336 young carers.
The Mind Of My Own (MOMO) app, which has been designed with input from young people, will help them stay connected with service workers, share their experiences and get support.
Launched with backing from Perth and Kinross Council, the technology uses child-friendly language and design to encourage young people to share their thoughts using their tablet or mobile phone.
Announcing the app on national Young Carers Awareness Day, local youngster Kody Warner said the new tech could make a big difference to her routine.
The 11-year-old, who lives in a rural part of Perthshire, cares for her mother, who has multiple sclerosis, and often worries about her while she is at school.
This can have a knock-on effect on her ability to concentrate in class.
The app will allow Kody to have regular contact with PKAVS at a time that is convenient for her.
“I’m looking forward to using an app to share how I am feeling with my support worker,” she said.
“I sometimes don’t like to tell them if I am worrying about something, face-to-face.”
MOMO director Jill Thorburn said: “It is fantastic to be working with PKAVS to bring MOMO to the children and young people they support.
“We’re driven by our vision of ensuring all children’s voices are heard, so we can’t wait to start seeing how we can help children and young people using voluntary services in the area make a difference to their lives.”
Young Carers Awareness Day was held on Thursday to raise awareness and improve support for young carers’ mental health.
It was launched with a social media campaign, using the hashtag #CareForMeToo.
PKAVS – Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Services – was set up to enhance lives and connect communities across the region.
