A YOUNG carer who looks after his mum and aunt every day praised the Swindon charity which helps him balance his education and his difficult home life.

Callum Stevens has supported his family since he was in primary school and currently studies health and social care at Swindon College.

The 19-year-old said: “My aunt is diabetic and I help her take her tablets and my mum is partially-sighted so she needs care. Trying to explain what it’s like to other people is difficult, it’s constant and exhausting.

“My neighbours help out when they can, which is great, but it’s still tiring. I go out on activities with the Swindon Young Carers, I don’t know what I’d do without them. I’m enjoying one of the AQA accreditation courses my college offers for young carers - it’s about celebrities. I’m focusing on Russell Howard, who cares for his younger brother, he’s an inspiration.”

Swindon Young Carers offers advice to youngsters looking after relatives and provides days out and fun activities.

The Swindon Carers Centre’s schools development manager Ann Giles said: “There are more than 900 young carers registered in Swindon and we know there are more out there. We raise awareness of what we do so they know there’s support available.”

To thank the charity for their invaluable help to him and his family, Callum decided to organise a fundraiser with the help of volunteers from his college’s wellbeing centre. The non-uniform day with a cake sale and games raised £192.83 for the charity - even more than a similar fundraiser which had been organised entirely by staff the year before.

The college’s wellbeing co-ordinator and young carer lead Saxone Trueman said: “He’s done so well, all the volunteers helped out to create a fantastic day, they were amazing.

“I was a young carer myself and I’m inspired by how much work they take on and how many balls they’re juggling, It’s very difficult which is why it’s important that they receive as much support as possible and that they have the chance to take a break, have fun and enjoy being a child.”

Lauren Mill helped the volunteers meet principal Steve Wain to organise the fundraiser, Connor Foster and Jamie Davies helped out on the day, Grace Denmead held the cake sale and Robert Walklett and Xavier Pickford oversaw the activities and games.

Callum added: “I thought it would be a fun thing to do, I’m really happy with the result, I’m glad I did it and would definitely do it again.”

Ann Giles added: “Just a few young people did all this, it really goes to show how much they care.”