YOUNG carers in Warrington are receiving recognition for their life-changing work in a special exhibition.

The Wired Young & Young Adult Carer’s exhibition is being held at The Gateway in Sankey Street until October 23 and is a collection of experiences, crafts and artwork.

Wired Adult and Young Carers Service in Sankey Street supports approximately 500 young and young adult carers and 3,000 adult carers across Warrington.

They help with housework, cooking, shopping, washing, administering medication, showering, lifting, looking after siblings and emotional support.

Some carers in Warrington are just six years old.

Fiona Jenkins, young carers co-ordinator, said: "Young carers look after someone who may have mental health problems, disabilities, illnesses or addictions and of course these can overlap.

"We try and give them one to one support and advocacy and improve their mental fitness.

"Every Thursday we have a drop-in service and we do singing, crafts, art and have speakers on things like internet safety; there's always a plan."

The exhibition at The Gateway, supported by Newton & District Jubilee Rotary Club and Warrington Rotary Club, is an expression of the young carers' thoughts, feelings, struggles, triumphs and interests, created in a therapeutic way over the past three months.

It opened on October 8 and was well attended by Warrington residents, charities and Mayor of Warrington, Councillor Karen Mundry.

There are anonymous stories on display from young carers' experiences.

One reads: "Some of the not-so-good bits about being a young carer is when my brother gets upset and then sometimes it feels too much and I feel down."

Another child said: "I am 11 years old and I have been a young carer for more than a year and I feel happy because I am helping my dad."

Fiona wants young carers to feel proud of themselves and give them the recognition they deserve.

She added: "Caring is something they do every day so this is giving them a voice and helping them to manage their responsibilities and let them become kids again.

"I want people to know that young carers exist and that they are the unsung heroes of society."