A PIONEERING project in Okehampton, which offers young carers the chance to enjoy and interact with their peers, is appealing for funds to improve its facilities.

The need for extra support follows an increase in the number of youngsters caring for family members in Okehampton.

The Young Carers' Project, which is part of Young Devon, formerly known as Devon Youth Association, set up its group in Okehampton in February to support young carers in the area.

The voluntary organisation aims to deliver services to young carers aged from five to 18 years old across the South Hams and West Devon.

Project manager Katherine Mullan said the project is looking for as much support as it can get.

She said: 'We are always looking at ways to fundraise and have applied for grants to all sorts of organizations.

'We find that we have to constantly fundraise because we don't have specific funding set aside to pay for trips and activities for the young carers.

'These types of activities are important, as often young carers miss out on these experiences due to a range of reasons associated with being a young carer.'  

Miss Mullan said the project has a positive effect on young carers.

She said: 'Not only does the project provide an opportunity for them to mix with other children and young people at the groups and activities, they can also access support and advice from the project workers.

'Some young carers are helped to access flexible carers' grants, information on health and safety, illnesses and signposted to other specialist services.  

'Through the project, they also gain support from fellow young carers, often building good friendships.

'Ultimately, they have an opportunity to be a child or young person for that time.'

There are currently ten young careers in Okehampton aged between six and 13 years old.

The Young Carers Project offer support and activities ranging from football games, arts and craft, life skills and cooking.  

Miss Mullan added: 'Over the last few months we have taken young carers to Woodlands Adventure Park, on a bowling trip and water sport activity.

'The Rotary Club kindly funded some of these activities.

'The number of young carers in Okehampton has definitely increased since we took over.

'Although there are only ten currently engaging with us, we are aware that there are more young carers out there.'

Young Devon has grown to become the largest voluntary youth service in the county, with a workforce of 120 paid and 300 unpaid staff.

The organization works out of eight drop-in centres and five supported housing projects. 

In addition, they have outreach staff to work with young people living in rural parts of the county.

The Young Carers group meetings will be held at Room 13 in Okehampton and will start following the summer break from Friday, September 18, after school from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

If anyone would like to help with funding or is a young carer and would like to come along to the group, phone Katherine Mullan or Charlie Cruise on 01822 612555.