MP: 'More must be done to help young carers in Cumbria'

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for more help for young carers throughout the county.

Statistics from the ONS show a 20% rise in young carers in the North West from the last census in 2001. In the North West there are nearly 25,000 children under 18 classed as young carers. Of these, 1,248 are aged between five and seven, more than 1,500 are aged eight to nine, and nearly 10,000 are between 10 and 14 years old.

In 2011, the last local figures for young carers showed that across Cumbria there are estimated to be more than 6,000 young people providing care to relatives that impacts on their own lives.

Some carers can end up providing up to 50 hours of unpaid care every week.

Tim has called for more rest respite for young people and more avenues of support. Tim has also written to ministers to ask what they can do to support local organisations help and supporting young carers.

Tim said: "All too often young people sacrifice so much of their own lives to improve those of the people closest to them. They are real unsung heroes. There are some amazing services out there like South Lakeland Carers, Brathay Trust and Carlisle Young Carers but we need more help and support for local young people. These statistics can and must be a wake up call."