VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help provide practical and emotional support to young carers as a part of a Devon-wide project.

Befrienders and mentors in Okehampton and the surrounding areas are being urged to help make a difference to the lives of young carers in the vicinity.

Kids Who Care is a young carers project, set up in 2005, in response to an identified need to provide practical and emotional support to young carers who undertake a significant caring role.

The project is managed and supported by UNITE charity as well as Mid Devon Social Services and runs youth centre-based activity evenings once a month, group day trips out and a monthly newsletter.

There are currently 100 young carers registered on the project although this is estimated by the social services to be only 10% of the young carers across Mid Devon.

The project aims to ensure these young carers all have access to the services of Kids Who Care, especially those who live in rural areas.

In 2007, the 'Mentoring/Befriending' part of the project was developed, aiming to recruit volunteers to work on a one-to-one basis with young carers including taking them out on fortnightly activities, offering friendship, support and encouragement as well as listening to their needs and aspirations.

All volunteers are vetted by means of a Criminal Records Bureau check and attend an induction training day.

There is ongoing supervision and additional training if required.

The need for more befrienders and mentors in Okehampton arose after many of the young carers in the area expressed a desire for greater support.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Lara Pope, befriending/mentoring project worker, on 07773 446928 or