A campaign aims to raise awareness of caring and highlight the challenges unpaid young carers in the borough face.

Lockdown has been challenging for most people but it is particularly hard for young carers, who have the responsibility of caring for a family member.

Manjila, 17, has been caring for her sister nearly all of her life and gets up at 5am to study.

Once her sister wakes up at around 7am, she prepares breakfast, helps her get dressed and take her medicine.

She said: "Caring for my sister is all I have really known. Both her and I have an amazing relationship and facing the challenges that her health condition brings has made us strong and resilient.

"I find it really rewarding to help her have a better quality of life. It's hard for people to understand what being a carer is like, especially having to explain to newfound friends. Sometimes I have to drop everything at short notice to help my sister."

Manjila receives essential support in the form of a local young carer service, run by Brentford Football Club Community Trust and commissioned by Hounslow Council, which is a lifeline to her.

She said: "They provide a range of activities and trips where I can make friends with people who understand my situation and have someone to talk to which helps me keep everything balanced."

Cllr Candice Atterton, Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health, said: "We know there are many unpaid carers who struggle along without support.

"With as many children and young people taking on an unpaid caring role, it is important we recognise and value the crucial support they provide.

"We want carers to know where they can go to access practical and financial help."

Pete Shears, Head of Intervention at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, added: "At the Trust, we have specialist staff working with the young carers.

"Kathryn, our Young Carers Coordinator, has experience as a young carer herself, which is invaluable in building trusted relationships with the young people.

"Knowing that they have someone to talk to, with lived experience and who understands their situation, is so important".

If you are a carer or you know someone who is, you can find support and information at Hounslow Carers.

There's a range of support available for carers in Hounslow, including:

• Carer support groups

• Carer information sessions

• Respite support

There's also financial information and a carer's needs assessment to fill in online and find out if you are likely to be eligible for social care support.