In relation to the identified priorities in the Guidance & Essential criteria what will your idea achieve and who will benefit from your project?
Youth Work: Provides safe, youth focused wellbeing tools that boost confidence, reduce anxiety and encourage peer sharing. Adult & Family Learning: Teaches self-help skills journaling, mindfulness techniques and creative expression. Community Development: Builds connections between young carers and local mental-health partners through resource referrals.
Please describe what you plan to do and what the money will be used for? (i.e., purchase equipment/resources)
Over the past year, we’ve recorded a rise in Ayr North referrals for young carers, many are supporting a parent or guardian with chronic mental health condition, which often takes a heavy toll on their own emotional wellbeing. To address this, we’d use this funding to assemble 10 mobile “Mental Wellbeing Backpacks,” each containing:
Guided Journals: Structured prompts to help carers process stress and reflect on positive experiences.
Mindfulness Colouring Books & Premium Pencils: A proven tool for lowering anxiety and promoting focused relaxation.
Mindfulness Card Decks: Simple, one step exercises for breathing, grounding or gratitude—easy to use anywhere.
Stress Relief Fidgets (spinners, squeeze balls): Portable sensory tools to diffuse tension in moments of overwhelm.
Headphones Pre-loaded with Guided Meditations & Relaxing Soundscapes: Instant, private access to mental-health resources, even without Wi-Fi.
Young carers (aged 10–18) can borrow a backpack for up to one week, giving them discreet, portable access to self care tools whenever and wherever they need a moment of calm be that at home after school, in the school library between lessons.
Emotional impact: Young carers of parents with mental-illness are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression compared with their peers.
Barriers to support: Young carers can often lack private space or time to access traditional services; mobile kits may help overcome both by bringing resources directly to them.
Equity of access: Backpacks can circulate through schools, youth centres and community events ensuring young carers alike can borrow them at their convenience.
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