I’ve been at Carers of Barking and Dagenham for 14 years, as their young carers project co-ordinator.

That means I support children and young people who care for those in their family with disabilities, mental health issues, addictions, special needs or long-term illnesses.

We reach about 500 young carers right now, but through Carer Awareness Week, which happens every June, we try to reach as many carers as possible.

During the week, some of the young people we work with requested people acknowledge the day by wearing something yellow, and reached out to local businesses, schools and GPs.

It is about reaching the many who are hidden.

There is so much about my job that I love, to try and list it all would be really difficult, but one of the best things is seeing when I have empowered a young person and put the support mechanisms in place to enable them to reach their goals.

That could be something small like being able to go to brownies. If I can break down barriers that stop them doing those things, it is a huge achievement.

Isolated

Every day is different. Carers have different needs that come up all the time; one minute I can be seeing a young person at a school, the next I could be buying things for respite activities or doing clerical work.

My goal is to make a difference where I can to the young people I support.

Young carers are often isolated and feel they are the only ones in that situation, so through my skills and experiences of being a young carer I try to open doors and help drop barriers for these young people, so they can reach for their goals and achieve their dreams.

In my time at Carers of Barking and Dagenham, I’ve been amazed by the resilience I’ve seen from these young carers, even when faced with adversity.

The words I would probably say to them are: ‘Have a go at seeking our support.’

Even if they don’t want to access activities, we can help them with other issues.

Life can be much easier if they aren’t on their own.

n For more information visit carerscentre.org.uk