OLIVIA Ferguson from Camelford, has launched a blog to share her experiences of looking after her mum with other young carers.

Olivia, 14, has cared for her mother, Kirsty, for six years since she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) taking on the cooking, cleaning and caring role while balancing her school work and social life as best she can.

Olivia said: “Being a young carer can be a lonely and difficult experience and I’m keen to raise awareness of the issues young carers face as well as MS. My blog, The Odd Pigeon, shines a light on our lives that are understood by so few and will hopefully be helpful to those young people who find themselves in a similar situation.

“It’s very difficult for a young carer to access the support that they need for themselves because they are focusing so much of their attention on the person that they care for.

“Action for Children through Kernow Young Carers were able to offer me the little things like knowing other young people who were in similar situations to the larger things like days out that would allow me to relax and breathe for a few hours. I want people to know they are not alone and that there is help and support out there.

“I also would like to get the message out that everyone has a voice, no matter how young. No matter if your touched by illness or if your a young carer. You have a voice, a right to be heard.”

She added: “My blog has helped me to understand the amazing amount of support everywhere. It really brings the extent of people affected by MS to your attention. It has motivated me to keep on with my caring role as people really do appreciate it. I’m so touched by all the lovely comments that I have received, it’s quite overwhelming really. "

Liz Digweed, family support practitioner for Action for Children’s Kernow Young Carers said: “We currently support around 850 young carers in Cornwall but there are many more young people in the county who care for someone at home and go unrecognised.

“Olivia’s excellent blog is a great way to highlight the support these young people need, caring for family members who may be ill or have a disability. Fellow young carers will realise they are not alone and the wider public will get critical insight into the issues these amazing young people face.

“Kernow Young Carers wants all young carers in the county to be identified early, receive the support they need and be recognised for the unpaid care they provide.”

She added: “People are often amazed when they learn how much our young carers do to help their families. Life can be tough so it’s crucial that we offer them support in a fun and friendly environment, as well as the chance to have a break and simply enjoy being young.”

Olivia’s blog can be accessed at theoddpigeon.wordpress.com