Children as young as four acting as carers says charity

CHILDREN as young as four are classed as carers, a charity has said.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Carers Northumberland, which supports unpaid carers in the county, said there are 777 young carers aged under 18 registered with the charity in the county.

The youngest recorded by staff was just four years old. The county council defines a young carer as someone aged under 18 who looks after a parent, sibling or any other family member who may have a disability, serious illness, problems with their mental health or with alcohol or drugs.

At Thursday's meeting of the Northumberland Health and Wellbeing Board, members were presented with the Northumberland Commitment to Carers Strategy, which sets out how healthcare bodies, the council and other bodies can support unpaid carers.

Speaking at the meeting, Donna Lathaen, head of service for the county council, explained how the strategy would support young people.