CHILDREN and young people who have to balance caring for someone at home with their education are now to be given much-needed extra help.

North Yorkshire County Council supports approximately 400 young carers in North Yorkshire every year. In 2014 it carried out a survey to find out what they found to be a particular challenge and what they thought could be done to improve existing support.

As a result, the local authority is launching a range of additional services to help young carers manage their day to day lives and responsibilities.

These include introducing a young carers’ ID card for students in schools and colleges to provide a form of identification they can carry with them to signal discreetly to a teacher or tutor that they need support, or have a valid reason for things such as being late or being behind with homework.

The county council has also commissioned young carer support contracts to make sure they have equal access to support wherever they live in the county and can access walk-in carers’ support centres that provide practical help and advice.

The council has shared the information from its survey with other organisations to help shape other services on offer to the young people.

County Councillor Tony Hall, executive member for children’s services, said: “The county council supports around 400 young carers every year and we understand that looking after a relative when you are under 18 can be a real challenge – and often a very isolating experience.

“They are providing regular care to their family, which is a huge responsibility.

“We have a duty to ensure that they are supported, and that they have the same opportunities in life as other young people.”

Pete Dwyer, the county council’s corporate director of children and young people's service, said: “Supporting young carers is part of our commitment to ensure all young people in North Yorkshire have the chance to have their say and realise their potential.

"We were delighted that some of them were able to so positively contribute to our Youth Voice Summit last year.”

More information about the work the county council is doing to support young people in its Young and Yorkshire plan can be downloaded from the council’s website www.northyorks.gov.uk/article/24272/Young-carers---support-and-advice