James Marshall - Stirling Young Carers

27 Rotarians and 2 guests gathered last week at the Westlands Hotel in Dunblane to hear from James Marshall of the Stirling Young Carers Service.  James, who confessed that he'd previously assisted in serving meals to the club during a stint working at the Westlands, gave a most enlightening talk about the service that covers the whole of Stirling District.  It is estimated that there could be up to 2000 children who provide regular care, assistance or support to a family member with an illness or disability.  These children are assuming a level of responsibility usually expected of an adult, and the Young Carers Service is dedicated to the support of these heroic individuals.

A registered charity, based in the Stirling Carers Centre on Barnton Street, they were established in 1998 and provide support (one to one, training, advice and information), activities (via support group sessions) and short breaks to allow young carers to simply enjoy time for themselves away from their caring role.  A further role is in educational support, where the Service with the assistance of 25 district schools who have signed up to a charter, look to raise awareness of pupils and teachers of the challenge represented by being a young carer and support service that exists.  James highlighted that, all too often, young carers only come to light during a crisis of some nature and the challenge for them as a service is to try to assist before such a point is reached.

Allan Macpherson gave a vote of thanks to James for filling in the blanks about what these fabulous young individuals accomplish and the role the Young Carers Service provides in supporting them.

The club celebrated recent successes for the golf team at the Glenrothes Rotary Club Am-Am and for the curling team with victory over the Perth Rotarians. 

Another busy period lies ahead for Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary club with 4 Gavel competitions against local clubs, the charitable shoebox collection in full swing, the upcoming charity auction to be held in the Victoria Hall, Dunblane on Saturday 12^th November at 11 am, the annual Winter Treat for Senior Citizens at the Queen Victoria School on 16^th November at 7.30pm and the Christmas Concert at Dunblane cathedral on 17 December at 7.30pm.