YOUNGSTERS who face adult responsibilities looking after a relative enjoyed a special fun day on Saturday.
Sixty young carers from the Durham and Derwentside areas enjoyed a "fun fest" at the Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Consett.
During the day, organised by Barnardo's and Durham community organisation Disc, they could swim, play five-a-side soccer and table tennis, and dance. Story-telling and face-painting sessions were laid on for younger carers.
The organisers also used the event to find out more about the youngsters' needs.
John Atkinson, of Barnardo's Derwentside and Easington Young Carers' schemes, said young carers often developed health problems of their own.
"A good proportion will be required to lift the person they are caring for. This results in the risk of developing back problems.
"Between a third and two thirds of children and young people who care for someone with a mental health problem will develop a mental health problem. Young carers also miss out on schooling and career opportunities, with 71 per cent having been bullied because their home life is so different.''
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