Christmas appeal launched to support Fife’s young carers

An appeal is underway to spread Christmas joy among young carers in Fife.

The charity Fife Young Carers has joined forces with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust to collect suitable gifts for youngsters who give so much to their families and loved ones.

Residents can drop in presents at seven local sports centres – as well as the offices of Fife Young Carers in Glenrothes.

Appeal organisers say gifts should be new and unopened, with packaging in good condition, but not gift-wrapped. More information about the campaign, including suggested donations, is available at www.fifeyoungcarers.co.uk/christmas

Fife Young Carers supports around 1,750 children and young people across the Kingdom. Its youngest carer is just four years old.

The Christmas appeal encourages people to donate gifts for carers up to 25 years of age. The charity is placing particular focus on teenagers and young adult carers, who are often overlooked in traditional Christmas appeals.

Suggested gifts for older children and young adults include:

• Gift cards
• Bath or body care sets
• Art supplies
• Headphones and
• Other age-appropriate gifts for older young people.

Christopher Mantle, Fundraising Manager at Fife Young Carers, said: "Young Carers spend so much of their time caring for others, while juggling school, college, work and friendships.

“Through this appeal we want to remind them that the community in Fife cares about them too.

“Families frequently tell us that it's not just about receiving a gift but about knowing someone is thinking about them and recognising everything they do. We're incredibly grateful to Fife Sports and Leisure Trust for helping us make this a genuinely Fife-wide campaign."

Gifts can be dropped off at:

• Carnegie Leisure Centre, Dunfermline
• Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre
• Duloch Leisure Centre, Dunfermline
• Leven Leisure Centre
• Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre
• Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, Glenrothes
• East Sands Leisure Centre, St Andrews
• Fife Young Carers, Newark Road North, Glenrothes    

Collections will take place at the sports centres from 12th October until late November 2026.

Sharron McCormick, the Marketing, Communications and Sales Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “We’re proud to work with Fife Young Carers for the first time. The charity does amazing work supporting young people who give so much to their families.

“Our venues are rooted in communities across Fife, making them ideal local collection points for the appeal. We invite customers, businesses, and community groups to get involved and help make Christmas a little brighter for young and young adult carers throughout the region.”

Mr Mantle concluded: "This appeal aims to ensure young carers feel recognised, remembered and valued for everything they do in supporting family members and loved ones.

"Through gifts donated by local people, businesses and community groups, we can bring moments of joy and remind young carers that they are valued, recognised and not alone."