AFTER an excellent lunch on Wednesday, February 8, speaker Cathy Long talked about Young Carers.

Cathy lives in Loxley and has been involved with the Young Carers for six years and as project manager is involved in direct work with children, arranges funding, research and activities with school to raise awareness.

For a long time there was nothing in South Warwickshire for young carers but in 1999 the Young Carers Project was founded with money from Warwickshire County Council.

Since then, many young carers have used the project, either taking part in everything it offers or just the parts that are important to them.

Young Carers are between the ages of eight to 18 and help to look after anyone who has a disability or illness or is dependant, has a mental health problem or HIV/AIDS.

The person might be a parent, grandparent, brother or sister or sometimes a non-family member. They might help with cooking, shopping or personal care or provide emotional support.

Helping to care for someone is very rewarding but it can make them feel sad, alone, frustrated or even angry.

They might feel their friends don't understand and don't tell them because they may make fun of them.

The project offers them someone to listen to how they feel and help them to get in touch with other carers and make new friends.

They hold regular group activities and workshops, with time to chat, have a laugh and relax.

The vote of thanks was given by Jean Baugh.

The next luncheon is on Wednesday, March 15, which is the visitors luncheon and the speaker will be Richard Gorland with Reminiscences of a Headmaster.