YOUNG carers are benefitting from a project that is providing them with support, training and residential breaks.

Wigan and Leigh Young Carers received £27,578 from the Health Lottery for its two-year Healthy Mind, Healthy You project.

The project is supporting young adult carers, aged 14 from 24, living in the borough, particularly those who are most isolated and with limited social, educational and employment opportunities.

It is providing peer support groups and residential breaks promoting friendships and encouraging participants to achieve through engagement and training.

It is hoped the sessions will strengthen participants’ wellbeing, mental health, and help them with opportunities in the future.

The carers shape the project through a steering group of participants, discussions with group leaders, and questionnaires.

READ > Family of amateur rugby league player who died last year complete team challenge for cause

Paul Carroll from Wigan and Leigh Young Carers said: “We are delighted to have received more funding for this extremely important project.

"We know from talking to young carers, that this support, at such a critical time in their lives is invaluable to them.”

The grant was awarded by People’s Health Trust through Active Communities, a funding programme which invests in people and groups in communities, with great ideas to make their communities even better.

Grass roots charities in the north west benefit from Health Lottery tickets sold from September 1 to 30.

During that time, for every £1 entry into a weekly lottery draw the player will automatically be entered into the monthly mega raffle taking place on October 1, with a guaranteed prize of £250,000.

Chris Lunn, Director of Health Lottery North West, said: “We are thrilled that money raised by Health Lottery North West is supporting such an important local project.”

To volunteer for Wigan and Leigh Young Carers or for more information contact Paul Carroll on 01942 679352 or visit walyc.org.uk.

For more information about the Health Lottery, visit www.healthlottery.co.uk.