If you are a young person in Havering who looks after a family member or someone close to you, you may be a young carer.
Havering Council in partnership with the NHS has launched a new drive to identify and support more local young carers.
Young carers look after someone who has a physical or mental health condition, a disability or is affected by substance misuse.
The types of support they provide could include helping with personal care, managing medications, doing household tasks, or providing emotional support.
The first wave of the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census, based on the BeeWell survey carried out in Greater Manchester, found that 32.7 per cent of young people reported that they often care for a family member with an illness, disability, mental health condition or drug/alcohol dependency.
They may find themselves balancing school, work or social activities alongside the responsibility of caring for someone in their family.
This can often feel overwhelming, and it’s easy for these young carers to feel very alone in trying to manage.
But they don’t have to do it by themselves.
Help is here. Havering Young Carers provided by Imago, a local charity, gives support to young carers in the borough.
A 12-year-old Havering young carer said:
“I have worked with Nicola from Havering Young Carers now since last year.
"I was nervous at first but now we meet at school on a monthly basis and she helps me talk about how I feel caring for my Mum and understand how I can make more time for myself.
“I didn’t really realise I was a young carer before, or what it even meant but now I am proud to be a young carer.”
Havering Young Carers provides one-to-one support, emotional support, practical help and youth groups and events.
Young carers can refer themselves by contacting Imago directly. Or they can ask someone from their school to refer them.
Cllr Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“The support that the young carers give to those they care for is exceptional and invaluable.
"They are the most remarkable young people, and I want to ensure that they also get the support they need.
“Through Imago the carers can improve their well-being and can benefit from and enjoy the opportunities that this organisation provides.
"Young carers don't need to carry the load alone - there is help available, and it's all about ensuring they have the chance to enjoy their youth while also being there for their family.”