10 year old Andrew lives at home with his Mum, his Granny and his pet labrador. Here, he shares his experience of being a young carer.

My name is Andrew Scotland, and I am 10 years old. I live with my Mum, my Granny and my pet labrador.

My Granny has dementia and has slowly been forgetting her words for a while now. I love her very much and sometimes I worry a lot that she feels sad or alone. I never want her to feel like that. Often, I'll check on her when I'm at home to make sure she's ok. I do feel frightened and I worry in case she falls or something bad happens to her.

A few months ago, I was at home alone with Granny because my Mum was at work. I was upstairs when I heard a bang coming from downstairs. I shouted, "are you ok Granny?" but there was no reply, so I ran downstairs.

My Granny was unconscious, lying face up in the dog’s bed with a lamp on top of her. I was frightened and worried, but I quickly ran next door to our neighbour’s house for help. The lady who lives there is called Claire and she is a nurse.

We both ran back and found that Granny was awake but confused. I called my Mum while Claire phoned the NHS. We then drove Granny to hospital where we met Mum, she was very worried too. Granny had lots of tests done and thankfully, she got the all-clear. We were all so relieved.

Holidays are better when Granny is with us, I really missed her when we went away without her last summer. I tell her I love her all the time, help her remember words and things she is trying to say. If I think she's getting a bit confused, then I'll let my Mum know and she helps Granny out.

It can be very frustrating at times as she can get things wrong - but I love her just the way she is. She's very kind and so funny. I've learnt that dementia makes you forget stuff, I think it destroys your brain cells and there isn't any way of getting better.

Mostly old people get it I think but I know it's a disease and some young people get it too. I've watched stuff online about it.

I’m a member of the Helensburgh young carers group and I love it. They really help and support me a lot. They take me on fun trips and visit me at school to ask if I'm ok.

I'm very happy being a big help to my Granny.

Andrew Scotland

Andrew and Granny stand outside a school, smiling at the camera