ADULTS in Helensburgh and Lomond are being urged to give young carers more time to balance the many weights they have to juggle in life.

There are more than 250 young carers in the area, ranging in age from just five to 18.

And this week's Young Carers Action Day has prompted calls for everyone to make more time for them.

Ashley Bolton, Young Carer Team leader at Helensburgh and Lomond Carers, told the Advertiser: "Young Carers need everyone to make more time for them so they can get support to balance their caring role with all other aspects of their lives.

"Here at Helensburgh and Lomond Carers we have more than 250 Young Carers registered aged 5-18. Young Carers help support family members who may suffer with long-term ill-health, mental ill-health, have additional needs, physical disabilities, or a substance misuse issue.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Young carers from Helensburgh and Lomond enjoyed a series of fun activities during the February school break to give them a break from their caring responsibilitiesYoung carers from Helensburgh and Lomond enjoyed a series of fun activities during the February school break to give them a break from their caring responsibilities (Image: Helensburgh and Lomond Carers)

"Caring for someone can be very isolating, worrying, and stressful and this can negatively impact their childhood, having a lasting effect on their life chances.

"So, please make time this 'Young Carers Action Day' to recognise the invaluable contribution that Young Carers make to their families and our Community."

If you, or someone else, may be a young carer, contact Helensburgh and Lomond Carers on 01436 670555 or hello@hlcc.org.uk,

Young carers had a busy February week with a number of activities that are part of giving them respite opportunities as well as time together when they normally have many responsibilities.

Helensburgh Advertiser: Young carers from Helensburgh and Lomond enjoyed a series of fun activities during the February school break to give them a break from their caring responsibilitiesYoung carers from Helensburgh and Lomond enjoyed a series of fun activities during the February school break to give them a break from their caring responsibilities (Image: Helensburgh and Lomond Carers)

During the school holidays, on February 7, 28 young carers went bowling at Xsite and went to lunch at Pizza Express.

The next day, they had the ladies from Pursuit of Wisdom Coaching visit at Hermitage Academy to do a workshop for 17 young carers. The group uses an interactive approach to discover goals and passions and use them to help find a path in life.

On February 9 and 10, 34 young carers went to Inflata Nation in Glasgow and then to Burger King for lunch.

Ashley added: "It's great being able to deliver these activities in order to provide young carers a break from their caring role.

"These trips give them the opportunity to interact with other young people, improve their mental and physical wellbeing, take part in new activities and most importantly have fun."