Young people who care for loved ones are to receive extra support after Tower Hamlets council relaunched its Young Carers Project.

The scheme is aimed at helping those people between the ages of 8 and 18 who have to balance their school lives with the responsibility of looking after family members.

Such carers are to be offered support from the council’s Youth and Connexions Transition team, through designated key workers and breaks with others with similar responsibilities.

The council hopes the new service will be more comprehensive than that which was previously offered to young carers such as 15-year-old Emma Boyle-Rider, who looks after her younger brother Jamie, an epilepsy sufferer.

“I really enjoy coming to meet with other young carers as we get a chance to share experiences”, she said.

“I have made a lot of friends through the project. The staff are really supportive and do so much to help us. The re-launch is a great idea and nice to have a fun day with family and friends.”

For more information on the project, contact Mostak Ahmed on mostak.ahmed@towerhamlets.gov.uk.