Young carers need more support, says Tyneside teenager
There are believed to be around 700,000 young carers in England, many of whom slip under the radar of social and health services.
Imogen is a 16-year-old who cares for her mother in Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear.
When she was nine her mother was sectioned and later diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.
Imogen became a carer for her mum, but for years she never told anyone what she calls "her little secret".
The teenager struggled for six years without any support before discovering a young carers' group in North Shields which has changed her life.
Inside Out also follows her trip to meet Moira Fraser who runs a carers' charity.
Now she wants to tell people her story in the hope it will help other young people in her position to speak out and seek help.
Inside Out is broadcast on Monday, 20 February on 麻豆官网首页入口 North East and Cumbria at 19:30 GMT, and nationwide on the iPlayer for seven days thereafter.
