A LOCAL charity that provides services for adult unpaid carers will also run services for young carers in Bradford from April.

Carers’ Resource already supports 16,000 unpaid carers in the district, and the Harrogate and Skipton areas through one-to-one support, casework, information, support groups, employment and training advice, planning for emergencies, and maintaining wellbeing.

The group has now won the contract to support Bradford’s young carers.

Chief executive Chris Whiley said: “A young carer is anyone under 18 who cares for a parent or sibling with a physical or mental illness, a disability or an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

“They have to grow up quickly and often carry out adult tasks for loved ones such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and looking after siblings. They can feel isolated from peers and face bullying and can be living in poverty.

“With support, young carers can be given coping strategies and breaks from caring. We are delighted to be able to offer carer services and support for young people. We plan to run clubs, trips, and send staff into schools to meet young carers and give specialist support.

“Our young carer team in Harrogate was nominated for a Yorkshire Children of Courage Award last year for its work with young people, so we have a solid foundation to work from.”

The charity will take on the young carers contract in the Bradford district for at least two years.

For more information or if you are a carer who wants to refer yourself to Carers’ Resource for a discussion about support or your wellbeing, call 01274 449660 or email bradford@carersresource.org