An organisation which has been offering support to young carers for more than 20 years has launched a new scheme in an effort to help even more. MICHAEL REILLY reports.

PROJECT 121 Youth Befriending has been helping young people aged six to 16 since it was established in 1986.

Through its 121 Young Carers project it has been offering support to those who act as carers for a parent, brother or sister who suffer from a serious physical or mental illness, or may be dependant on drugs or alcohol.

However, when these young carers reached the age of 16, they were not eligible for support until they were old enough to be recognised as adult carers, leaving them in a limbo for two years.

A solution is being put forward in 121's new project, Evolve.

The launch of the scheme enables the young carers to stay involved for a further two to three years and offers support when it is needed most.

Evolve was laun-ched in July and already has 15 members on its books.

It is run from Essex Road, Dartford, by project worker Tanya Stephens in collaboration with Mannie Rogers, manager of the Young Carers project.

Tanya said: "We provide respite activities so young people can have some time for themselves, away from caring, and enjoy their youth.

"For the Evolve project, the activities are much more age appropriate.

"We help them with the big decisions in their lives such as choosing universities and how to find jobs, and we assist people who want to learn to drive.

"We also run workshops on how to manage finances, credit cards and create CVs."

The scheme also helps carers to understand more about the illness or condition of the person they are looking after and offers assistance when they are applying for benefits and financial support.

Tanya, 25, from Sidcup, added: "Members of the Evolve project can also train to become mentors for the younger members of the Young Carers project.

"Our members will be the ideal candidates to offer support and companionship while building upon their own experiences."

Lisa Strong, 17, has been a young carer for the past six years, cooking, cleaning and caring for her mum. She joined 121 Young Carers in 2002.

The Dartford resident said: "When I turned 16 I felt lost as the 121 Young Carers project only supports up to this age.

"Mannie Rogers fought for an age limit rise and was awarded funding from Children in Need, with the Evolve project being the outcome.

"As the 121 Young Carers project had to let you go at 16 or 17, I would have had no-one to turn to for help and advice.

"Evolve offers the support I need during these important years of my life and I'm glad I don't have to say goodbye yet.

"I'm looking forward to being part of the project."

Evolve covers Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley and is specifically for young carers aged 16 to 18.

For more information, call Tanya Stephens on 01322 294005 or visit youthbefriending.co.uk