Mansfield and Ashfield young carers are benefiting from help, advice and activities that aim to give them a break.

Sessions, which take place in school holidays and after school, are held at the Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton, and the Mansfield Folkhouse Young People’s Centre. They include bowling, archery and ice skating.

The activities, funded by Nottinghamshire County Council and health partners, are run by The Carers Trust East Midlands.

The programme, which was highlighted during the national Carers Week, aims to offer young carers information, support and fun activities as well as providing a chance for them to meet others in a similar situation.

Mackenzie Shaw, (15), of Sutton, who has been attending the sessions for a year, said: “I’ve made friends with other young carers and we share tips as they are also carers.

“I like skating trips the best, but the sessions can be educational as we have done a first aid course.

“My brother has autism, ADHD and epilepsy and I’m now helping out more as my older sister has gone to university, so it’s good to have time doing fun stuff.”

Young carers may be eligible for additional support to help with activities outside caring.

Coun Stuart Wallace, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: “Young carers often feel isolated as most of their school friends don’t have the same responsibilities, so these sessions are a great way for them to gain friends who are in a similar position to themselves.

Contact the Nottinghamshire Carers Hub on 0115 824 8824 or visit http://www.carerstrustem.org/hub for more details.