CHILDREN who spend their spare time caring for adults will be given a chance to have some fun instead with the help of Children in Need.

Thousands of children miss out on childhood experiences due to becoming young carers and having to help look after their loved ones.

Carers Choices has been awarded £28,590 to help fund weekly activities for these young carers to help give them a break and meet others with similar experiences.

The aim is to provide a place where they can build self-confidence and positive relationships with peers and family members.

A youth centre will provide a space where young carers can have a break from the pressures they often face at home.

Heather Leason, Young Carers Co-ordinator at Carers Choices said: “Young carers often go under the radar as they quietly go about their caring responsibilities.

“This funding is going to make a huge difference to the amount of support we can provide in the Basildon area ensuring young carers have the opportunity for some much-needed ‘me’ time away from being a carer.”

The funding represents a large donation from BBC Children in Need, which raises millions of pounds to help vulnerable children every year.

Clare Cannock, regional head of the south, for Children in Need, said: “BBC Children in Need is committed to improving the lives of children and young people across the UK and it is local projects like this that helps makes that happen.

“We can’t wait to see the funding in action.”

Young carers are children aged under 18 who help to look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem.

This might be a parent, grandparent or sibling.

They frequently do extra jobs in and around the home such as cooking, cleaning or helping someone get dressed and move around. If you know a young person who would benefit from receiving support contact Carers Choices on 01268 881130 or visit website www.carerschoices.org.