Two young carers who we support from Blackburn recently invited Ross Kemp to spend some time with them for a new documentary airing on Thursday 1st August on ITV. The episode is part of a new series for ITV called Ross Kemp : Living With in which Ross meets people living with some of the biggest issues affecting Britain, with Ali and Lizzie highlighting the reality faced by many young carers today.

There are an estimated 800,000 young carers in the UK. Their average age is 12

Six-year-old Ali and 15-year-old Lizzie gave the former Eastenders star a glimpse into their daily lives as young carers, with Kemp even staying the night at Lizzies house to see how she cares for her mum and brother first-hand from the moment she wakes up?

Child Action Northwest is a regional charity, which works with more than 6,000 children, young people and families in the North West every year. Our Young Carers service provides help and support to young people aged between 5 and 25 who are carrying the care burden at home. They may be looking after parents or siblings, helping them cope with illness, mental health issues, or even substance abuse problems. We provide regular breaks, access to fun activities and opportunities to meet other young people in the same situation. Most importantly, we provide relief from responsibilities for a while to allow our carers to enjoy being a child. Young carers aren't going to stop caring. But you can help us give them a break to learn and have fun, letting them balance their caring responsibilities with just being a child and growing up.

Please donate to give young carers a brighter future.