YOUNGSTERS who give up their spare time to care for a relative are being urged to join a group, which has been set up to provide them with respite.

The Hartlepool Positive Future Project, is for young carers, aged five to 19, who care for a relative who is sick or disabled, or who is affected by mental illness or substance abuse. The project aims to provide befriending, and social educational events and activities.

The plan is to give young carers the same life chances as other youngsters in Hartlepool, sharing in activities they may not otherwise be able to, because of a lack of transport, or financial constraints.

Julie Morgan, project development worker, said: "We want to give the youngsters a chance to meet others in the same situation.

"Quite often, a lot of them do not experience what others their age do. They can't go out to play or have friends around, and often feel isolated. Sometimes, all they want is a friend who they can talk to and share their situation with."

Young carers may care alone, or may have extra help from family or outside agencies.

Tasks they perform can include household chores, shopping, cooking, cleaning, helping with medication, and personal health care, such as dressing, bathing and helping with the toilet.

They also provide emotional support, which may be particularly beneficial in cases of mental illness or substance abuse.

Fiona Glendenning, project activities worker, said: "The group provides a break for everybody in the family, and the parents' minds are put at ease because they know their children are safe and mixing with others their own age.

"The youngsters just need someone to tell them they are doing a good job and quite often they do not get praise for what they do."

For information on the project, ring (01429) 283095