Dorset charity supporting over 1,000 young carers this summer
The summer holidays can leave young people in caring roles feeling cut off
A Dorset charity helping carers across the county has told us how it's going to be supporting some of the youngest people helping others this summer.
For most young people in Dorset, the summer holidays are a period of freedom and relaxation - but for some, it brings extra pressure and stresses as a young carer.
Vicki Williamson from Carers Support Dorset told us that going to school can sometimes be the only respite young carers get from their caring role.
But the charity is aiming to provide a break for them during the six week break.
She said: "For someone or there's a caring situation with your home and you've got no respite for six weeks, that can really pull a young person down because there is no break. There is nothing there.
"We offer activities during the summer holidays for them to have a few hours away from their caring role there with other young people who are in a similar situation."
Vicki and her team help provide support for over 1,000 young carers in Dorset.
Young Carers left feeling alone without support
Vicki told us that, without support during the summer break, young carers can be left feeling isolated.
She said: "They might be late to school because mum and Dad have had to had to deal with the other sibling to make sure they're OK.
"They might be having to attend a lot of after school activities because mum and Dad need that extra time to be able to make kind of pick up the other sibling or look after the other sibling so they can feel a little bit on their own."
But through the help offered by the charity, they've been able to change that feeling.
"We've had it in the past where kids have arrived and they actually attend the same school and they didn't realise," she said.
Vicki continued: "It's brilliant that they just get an opportunity to realise that they're not, they're not there or completely on.
"There's other people in that situation who can help them. But we're not saying that takes it away, but it just helps with that understanding that they're not completely there by themselves."
Over the course of this summer, the charity is providing four indoor climbing events in August, as well as a session with author Rab Ferguson to discuss his new book, The Lake Crew, in an interactive session.
And for young carers who are a bit older, there's workshops on managing finances to help them plan their futures and provide a solid step to move forward.
The charity also offers families a chance to spend time together, organising day-trips with requisite support in place.