WIRED Young Carers Service has been given the green light to launch a music project, which aims to reduce emotional stress and boost self-esteem in youngsters who care for a loved one.

The National Foundation for Youth Music has agreed to fund the music-making sessions for the Warrington Guardian’s charity of the month at the Orford Youth Base.

The project will run for two years from June and will provide the young carers with the opportunity to take part in singing, music and DJ lessons.

Steve Oates, director at Score Creative Education, who helped WIRED secure the funding, said: “There are many benefits that we hope this project will bring to the young people and their families.

“These young people are little heroes who often have great responsibility on their shoulders.

“The Wired for Sound project will engage them in a positive and creative activity with their friends and give them a well-earned break from their caring role. It's a time to learn new skills, have fun and show what they can do.”

Kat Lamey, Young Carers Coordinator added: “We're all really looking forward to getting the music project off the ground.

“The young people have taken part in a number of music taster sessions already and the response we've had has been fantastic.

“The best bit about the youth music project is that it has been driven by the young carers, they are the ones who have shaped the programme and I can’t wait to see what they do with it’ The Wired for Sound Project is just one of the programmes WIRED offers to help support young people, who have had to learn to cope with the added responsibility of looking after a family member.

From one to one emotional support where young carers can meet with a support worker to talk through their issues to group activities including arts and crafts sessions and Zumba classes, the team at WIRED is on hand to provide any type of support when it’s needed.

For more information about WIRED e-mail wcschildrens1@wired.me.uk or call 633 492.

Next week, we speak to the staff at WIRED who dedicate their time to helping young carers cope with the added responsibility.