YOUNG adult carers are to receive more help as a grant of almost £43,000 is given to a charity working to boost services and support to those looking after loved ones.

Carer Support Wiltshire (CSW) is among the first charities to be given grants through the Charity of the Year Partnership between Carers Trust and The Co-operative Group.

The Co-op’s staff, members and customers have raised more than £5m to provide breaks, information, advice, support and services for 14 to 25 year olds facing the challenges of caring.

Lindsay Poulsom, chief executive for Carer Support Wiltshire, said: “This is a great opportunity to support young adult carers at a time in their lives that often means they fall through the gap when moving between children and adult statutory and other services.

“Our young adult carers’ pilot group has directly shaped this new service so that it will meet the needs of this hidden group. We hope that through this grant more young adult carers will recognise themselves as such and contact us to find out more.”

The charity provides young adult carers with information and advice around education, training and employment, and supports their transition into accessing support and services for adult carers.

There will also be online information and support, drop-in sessions and training on issues including budgeting, nutrition and cooking, health and well-being, managing anxiety and first aid.

There are an estimated 500,000 unpaid young adult carers in the UK who take on practical and emotional caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems, and who cannot cope without their support.

For more information about the work of Carer Support Wiltshire visit carersinwiltshire.co.uk.