>> It is estimated that there are more than 2,500 children acting as carers in Cambridgeshire.
>> They look after a family member with a long-term illness, disability, mental health problem or who misuse drugs or alcohol
>> Many cope without complaint or any support from Social Services
>> The Huntingdonshire Young Carers Project provide
s children with much-needed support, well-earned breaks and friendship
>> A cut in funding means they can only help 70 kids
Here are the key aims of the Young Carers Project:
>> Enable children to be proud of their role as Young Carers, whilst having a sense of selfworth and higher self-esteem.
>> Improve social skills among Young Carers, many of whom feel isolated and excluded and have few role models.
>> Help Young Carers develop life skills and coping mechanisms that will aid their transition into adulthood.
>> Reduce bullying experienced by many child carers by removing the stigma and lack of understanding of other children.
>> Involve Young Carers in decision making, positive choices and contributing to their local community.
Some of the things the kids who have been helped by the project have said about it:
>> "It's given me a chance to speak up and say what's wrong."
>> "Young Carers has made a difference to my life with new friends and talking to staff about problems."
>> "I thought the trip would not be that fun, but it turned out to be the best weekend in my life. I met new friends and got to do things I never dreamed of, it was great."
>> "I enjoyed the weekend away because I need it and I have not had a break for a long time."
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