A NEW support group for young carers in East Hampshire has been launched from the Bordon Youth Centre at Mill Chase Technology College. Organised by Hampshire County Council's youth team, the East Hants young carers project held its first meeting on Thursday, September 20. Angie Marker, the district inclusion worker said: "A young carer is a person aged under 18, with a caring responsibility for a member of their family. "It could be that a parent is sick and the young person has to take on extra responsibilities that children in families do not normally have – such as shopping, cooking and cleaning." Regular drop-in sessions for young carers between the ages of 12 and 18 will now take place on the third Thursday of every month. These are designed to give carers the opportunity to experience fun and challenging activities including sports and games, days out, as well as residential trips and outdoor education activities. There will also be a chance for them to get information on health and other support services available. Mrs Marker added: "It's a great opportunity for young carers to meet, chill-out and make links between new friends and gain a support network." Young carers will be fully involved in the planning of future events and activities.  Some have already taken part in a forestry adventure day at Alice Holt Woodland Park where they enjoyed participating in climbing, archery, air-rifle shooting and team- building activities. Two young carers who took part in that event are 17-year-old Teresa and 12-year-old Claire. They say the regular meetings of the new young-carers project will be a great boost for other young carers in the East Hampshire area. Teresa said: "Young carers will be able to have fun and meeting up with other young people in the same situation." Claire added: "I think the meetings are a good idea because it gives you a break from helping out at home and it's good to do activities you don't normally get the chance to do." If you are interested in attending the project and want to find out more about it contact Angie Marker, district inclusion worker on 01730 268252 or 07956065632.