'I'm proud to have been a young carer for my family since I was seven'

Ellie Knowles became a carer for her mum, who has mobility issues, when she was seven years old.

"I have been a young carer my whole life, I have not known anything different," she says.

"I'm proud of it. It's a hidden thing but at the end of the day, it's something that can really stand out for someone as being a good and important part of their life."

Ellie, who is now 18, says daily tasks at home in Reeth near Richmond include making meals, doing the washing and making sure things are "running smoothly".

"Always knowing what's going on is key in my mind - if I'm worried about what's going on at home, I can keep in touch."

On average, one in five children in every classroom are young carers, according to Carers Plus Yorkshire.

But Charlene Saunders from the charity says this is likely to be the "tip of the iceberg".

Ellie says worrying about her mum can "definitely put me on edge, especially if I know she's been shaky or had a fall".

"It's not really a comfortable feeling, of knowing she is alone at home," she adds.

"When I was younger and in primary school, I would say that I was too ill and I wanted to go home because I wanted to be with my mum, because I knew that she was on her own at home."

However, she says being a carer can also be an important part of a young person's life.

"I do love meeting other young carers and saying, 'you know what let's celebrate what we do'."

Charlotte, 16, is based at Catterick where she looks after her autistic brother and her mum, who has fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Both of them have different needs.

She says her caring responsibilities include helping with cooking, cleaning and other household chores - as well as helping her younger brother with his emotional regulation.

"I have another friend who's a young carer and he understands the situation because he's also a carer for his mother," she says.

"I understand there are things that I do that other people can't imagine doing.

"I never know what's going to happen. Something might go on and I might need to step back for a bit.

"I dropped a lot of grades and I had to take a lot of time off school, but I am slowly recovering."

After being diagnosed with the spinal condition scoliosis at the age of 12 and having surgery last August, she is now studying for her exams this summer.

She says it is going well, as she can study together with her brother.

Carers Plus Yorkshire supports young carers from the age of eight.

But Charlene says the charity has found that not everybody knows or understands some children's caring responsibilities.

"There are a lot of hidden young carers out there," she adds.

"It can be really challenging for some young carers, but not for all.

"Some really enjoy what they are doing and are really proud. Not all young carers are struggling, which can be a misconception.

"But our job is to support those who are finding it really difficult and try to make things a bit more manageable for them."

However, their work is crucial.

"The country would just come to a standstill without young carers," she says.

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