A NEWLY-formed action group for children with tough family responsibilities is looking for new members.

Young Carers, organised by Wigan Youth Service, is designed to help youngsters boroughwide take a break from their tasks - and meet others in the same situation.

The group celebrated its launch with a set of self designed posters and postcards created to raise their profile, and encourage fellow minders to join in.

They will be distributed throughout the borough via GP's surgeries, health visitors, libraries, leisure centres and youth centres.

The group is open to any young people between the ages of 11 and 25.

Members meet on the first Wednesday of every month between 4pm and 6pm at the Penson Street Youth Centre, Wigan.

The Young Carers have been working with local poet Joan Poulson, author of Girls Are Like Diamonds.

She is encouraging them to write their own verse, and they are planning to perform some of their work at a forum next month.

Youth worker Merry Macdonald, who runs the sessions with Maureen Edwards and Scott Winstanley, said the group is all about looking at issues that affect young carers, offering support to each other, but above all having fun.

Meetings are free and refreshments provided.

Any young carer interested in joining should attend the next meeting.

For more information, or to find out about free transport meetings, contact Wigan Youth Service on 01942 828840.

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