Heroic young carers awarded for hard work

Buy photos » Award winners Elise Upstone and Natalie Murray with Warwickshire Young Carers' Project manager Anthony Bishop. (s)

THE HEROIC efforts of young carers in the borough have been celebrated at an awards evening.

The Young Heroes Celebration Event, organised by the Warwickshire Young Carers’ Project and supported by Warwickshire County Council and Barclays, paid tribute to the hard work and sacrifice made by youngsters across the county who care for a loved one.

Young Rugby carers, 17-year-old Elise Upstone and 15-year-old Natalie Murray, were just two of those honoured on the night and were presented with Outstanding Contribution Awards for the role they have played in helping other young carers.

Anthony Bishop, manager of the Warwickshire Young Carers’ Project, said: "Young carers give so much of their time to others, it’s important they enjoy time that’s completely aimed at them. The Young Heroes Event is about celebrating all young carers as well as giving awards for individual achievements."

And County council youth chief, Izzi Seccombe, paid tribute to the 'incredible job' young carers do.

She said: "To be with such an inspirational and talented group of young people has been a tremendous honour.

"Young carers make a valuable contribution to their families and society as a whole and yet they take their own role for granted because they do it out of love. It is vitally important that we recognise young carers in this way."

The Young Carers’ Project supports more than 800 young people across Warwickshire however, the organisation says there are many more ‘hidden’ young carers who aren’t aware of their role or the support available.

For more information visit www.warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk or www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers or call 01926 485486.