The council have partnered with various charities this week to ensure the lives of young people looking after loved ones are not negatively impacted.

To mark national Carers Week (June 11 -17) Hertfordshire County Council are highlighting the challenges faced by young carers via their Families First initiative, the collective name for Early Help Services in Hertfordshire.

The aim is to provide support as early as possible to prevent children from taking on “inappropriate or excessive” care responsibilities which could affect their well-being and education. 

Support is given through the Young Carers and Children’s Services teams including YC Hertfordshire, Intensive Family Support and Targeted Youth Support Services.

Families First works with various groups and organisations such as schools, colleges, GP’s, housing and mental health services to identify young people and their families. 

Support methods include home visits, mentorship, days out, discussions and support in their school life. 

Carers Trust research says one in 20 young carers will miss school and 26% have been bullied at school because they have caring responsibilities.

Hertfordshire County Council said: “We want our young people to enjoy a happy, healthy and safe childhood that gives them the foundations for adulthood and the opportunity to get the best out of life. 

“Young carers make a huge contribution to our society, and their responsibilities can have an effect on their own childhood experiences, therefore it’s important to make sure that they have the time and space to meet friends, socialise and access the same opportunities as other people their age.

“We work with a range of organisations to identify and provide the support that young people and individual families need, however sometimes young carers don’t feel confident in asking for help and so we want them to know that they’re not alone and we would encourage anyone with caring responsibilities to contact us so we can help or support in some way. No support or help is too big or too small.”

For more information visit www.hertforshire.gov.uk/familiesfirst