A £40,000 cash boost is being given to West Cumbria Carers to provide vital careers advice to young carers.

The money has been awarded from Carers Trust, the UK’s largest charity for unpaid carers.

It will be used to help young adults in Copeland and Allerdale.

Sue Whitehead, of West Cumbria Carers, said: “This vital funding will help us to support young carers in West Cumbria who are disadvantaged and are struggling to reach their potential because of the demands of their caring role.

“We are thrilled to have received this grant from Carers Trust’s About Time programme, which will help young adult carers get much needed career and education advice.

“With our support, young adult carers will be able to identify their aspirations, maintain school or college attendance to attain a good level of education, which will positively impact on their life chances as they become adults.”

One young person who has been helped by West Cumbria Carers is 19-year-old Ellen.

She said: “I have been part of West Cumbria Carers young carers project since I was seven years old. When I first joined, I was very shy and didn’t like mixing with other children.

“The support worker kept encouraging me to come to the groups and after a while I started to make friends and felt far more confident. Over the years West Cumbria Carers has helped me with issues including attending school and when I was struggling with school work.

“I received one-to-one support when I was in my GCSE year and looking at moving onto college. Without the support from West Cumbria Carers, I don’t think I would have managed to go to college and continue with my caring role. I still receive support from West Cumbria Carers and it’s a weight off my shoulders to know there is someone I can talk to that understands my situation at home.”

Research shows that caring for a family member can have a huge impact on a young adult carer’s health, wellbeing and education.

Recent census data reveals there are more than 30,000 young adult carers providing 50 hours, or more, of care each week.

Through its ‘Time for Change’ grants programme, Carers Trust is funding projects which target young carers aged between 14 and 25.