Young Carers are children and young people under the age of 18 years, who provide care to another family member who has an illness, disability, mental ill health, sensory disability or has a problematic use of drugs or alcohol.

The level of care they provide would usually be undertaken by an adult and as a result of this has a significant impact on their childhood.

Nationally it is belived there are around 175,000 young carers. This means Cheshire has approximatley 2100 Young Carers.

Children and Young People who care for their parents and /or siblings are an invisible group within our schools.

They often struggle with the complex balance between home and school and feel that talking to school staff about these issues may result in the family being separated.

Their own social lives suffer and they are often denied or deny themselves the benefits of activities outside the home.

This group of children and young people carry an unfair burden of responsibility and it is important that they are afforded every opportunity to discuss issues of concern and importance to them.