CHILDREN across Halton juggle their school work and miss out playing with friends to look after their loved ones.

Young Addaction Halton held special sessions to support young carers to mark young carers awareness day on Thursday.

It is estimated that 700,000 young people in the UK provide vital care for family and friends.

Thousands of hard-working children and teenagers often go unidentified and so miss out on crucial services and support they’re entitled to.

Donna Wells, service manager at Young Addaction Halton, said: “We are pleased to be able to raise awareness of young carers nationally and to offer much-needed support locally.”

Young Addaction is working with groups and clubs to raise awareness and offer vital support.

Young carers are being provided with information about where they can seek advice and help.

The Carers Centre has provided resources to deliver a range of practical sessions.

It is estimated that 15,000 children up to the age of 17 are providing more than 50 hours of care every week.

According to The Children’s Society, young carers are one and a half times more likely to have a long-standing illness or special educational need than their peers.

Around one in 20 misses school because of their caring responsibilities.

Young Addaction Halton delivers a wide range of services for young people including substance misuse support and a far-reaching prevention service within schools and colleges.