A CHARITY which supports young carers is welcoming extra support pledged by the Government.

Family support workers at Wilpshire-based Child Action Northwest welcomed the Government’s pledge to support young carers and their families.

Landmark changes to the Children and Families Bill announced by Education Secretary Michael Gove will mean that when a child is identified as being a young carer, the needs of everyone in the family will be assessed.

The whole family will be referred to both adult and children’s support services.

Sue Cotton, chief executive at Child Action Northwest said: “This will mean that they will assess why the child is in a caring role, what needs to change, and what support can be offered.

“It is important to remember that it is children we are talking about who are often taking on huge responsibilities to support others in their families, and through doing so, miss out on many aspects of their own childhood and development.

“This will help ensure that young carers are provided with the support they need.”

Child Action Northwest provides a young carers’ support service in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council from its family support centre on Preston New Road.