The Cornwall Rural Community Council’s (CRCC) Young Carers Project is 10 years young this year. Celebrations are taking place across Cornwall from tea parties for the under 10s, trips to the cinema, ten pin bowling, go-karting and a lavish dinner party for the teenagers.

10 years ago the project started with 12 – 15 young people identified as having a caring role for a parent or grandparent who suffers from a long term illness, disability, mental ill health or a dependency on alcohol or drugs.

Over the years the project has worked hard to highlight the roles that these young people play within their families, and the difficulties they face. 380 young carers have been identified in Cornwall today, and the project is currently working with 300 young people.

Today the project also arranges respite opportunities for the young people, to enable them to have quality time outside of their caring role by organising day, weekend or even week long holidays.

Millie Lindfield, Project Worker says “It is so rewarding to see the project make such a difference to the lives of these young people and it was great to see them enjoying themselves on the celebration events that we have held and we look forward to the next 10 years”.

More Information on Cornwall Young Carers Project