The Young Carers Project's (YCP) guiding principle is that young people who take on a caring role have specific needs and concerns which require concerted attention.

As we reported last month, the Young Carers Network group's role is to involve policy makers, care professionals and public agencies in the borough, in promoting them.

In a context where caring is still associated with adulthood by many in the public sector, this body's work is vital.

But it places young carers themselves in the role of objects of concern, not subjects with their own ideas about how their lives can be improved.

That is where the Young Carers Forum comes in.

Meeting every few months, over biscuits, fizzy drinks and lollies, it brings up to a dozen of the older children together with project workers Lucy Dean and Gillian Marchant, for an hour of discussion, typically followed by an hour of bowling.

Nikki, 15, and 13-year-olds Danielle and Gemma joined Gill and Lucy for last Tuesday's forum summit, where the issues raised ranged from the practical to the emotional.

The girls were asked how the project could contribute to a carers' Christmas fair it had been invited to take part in, next month, with ideas ranging from a mystery tombola to inviting customers to pelt Gillian and Lucy with wet sponges.

They discussed preparations for its own Christmas show and got to look at a first draft of a newsletter, reviewing the carers' historic trip to EuroDisney, in July.

But the meeting also included a discussion on an investigation into young carers by a Coventry University researcher, who had interviewed two of the project's members.

It had concluded up to half of young carers could be suffering from serious stress, a view that gained agreement from around the table.

All three felt the Guardian's appeal had had a positive impact on perceptions of young carers. According to Nikki: "People in school know about it now. They can read about it and understand what it feels like."

Gemma said: "I think it's been good. Sometimes, my friends don't understand that I can't go out because of my mum. But now they can read what you go through."

They all thought a strong emphasis on the various activities laid on by the project in future Guardian coverage would prove fruitful in persuading borough young carers to sign up.

Gemma said: "If people see what we do then they might decide they like it."

And top of the list of where our appeal money should be going was Alton Towers. Danielle said: "We keep on asking to do that."

Their message to Guardian readers is simple.

"It's a good cause," said Gemma.

"It goes to getting us out and giving us some free time."

November 6, 2001 16:00