Schorni Clarke and Toni O’Neill-Roland are both in their final teenage years- a time of staying out late with friends, choosing universities and being carefree.

Although for these two women, their time is not their own. They are both young carers, and have to dedicate every hour to their families.

At the Action for Family Carers Centre in Poulton Close, Maldon, where the girls find respite, they shared their stories.

Miss Clarke, 19, from Braintree, has been caring for her dad since she was in year seven at Notley High School. He suffers with severe mental health issues.

She said: “When it got to the bad stage where he couldn’t leave the house by himself it got really difficult.

“My social life went completely down, when everyone is out partying I have to stay at home.

“For about two years I hardly ever saw him as he wouldn’t leave his room.

“I have had to quit college as I have to make time to go and get his medication and do the shopping.

“I suffer from insomnia and I have had depression and anxiety, but it’s just something I have had to cope with.”

Feeling like she was not receiving support at school, Miss Clarke was grateful to be introduced to the care centre, where she is able to have one-to-one sessions and time away to relax.

About one in 12 schoolchildren are carers, and now her old school has a liaison officer who visits to make sure teachers are aware of the problems and how to deal with them.

Miss Clarke said: “When it came to people with mental health at school they just seemed to get swept under the carpet.

“I was introduced to the centre by Chelmsford College whilst doing a hospitality course and joined in September last year.

“I really liked Yvonne, my support worker. She was really nice and I didn’t feel like she was judging me.

“We have just got back from a trip to St Mark’s College in Audley End and it was nice to be with people in the same situation, talk to them and make friendships.

“It’s just an escape and I feel I’m not alone.”

Yvonne Playle, Schorni’s young adult carer transition worker, beamed at her from across the table.

She said: “No one can fail to be moved by what these young people are going through.

“Schorni is so much brighter and more outgoing, she just needed a break but she has come an awfully long way.

“I am pleased we can improve their lives and raise their aspirations and quality of life.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Miss Clarke has made a special friend, Toni O’Neill- Roland, who only joined the centre last week.

Miss O’Neill-Roland, 18, from Colchester, was eager to talk about the social aspect of the group.

She said: “I started caring for my mum when I was 11, she was diagnosed with a neurological condition like Parkinsons.

“Her physical health went really downhill and I had to do everything for her.

“For the first couple of years it didn’t really effect me but then I started struggling at school, I was considering dropping out as I didn’t have the time.”

Miss O’Neill-Roland was introduced to the group by Suffolk New College, and she met her support worker Caroline Wootton.

She said: “I have found everyone really supportive, we have had family counselling before and people have always said they will give us support but it never comes.

“It’s nice to know I have someone there, and I can socialise with people.”

Caroline Wootton, the newest worker at the centre, said Toni was unable to deal with her emotions at first.

She said: “She just needed that little time out and someone to ask her about herself and how she feels.

“She was so nervous and worried but she has absolutely flourished, just to have that release is what she needed.”

Heather Hunt is the service manager, she said there is a hidden group of young people that slip through the cracks.

The group supports people as young as eight.

She said: “It’s about raising awareness of the positive sides to these people, like their caring personalities and the tight bonds they create, and the ultimate goal is to give them the same life opportunities as everyone else.”

The group recently celebrated Young Carer Awareness Day, recognising their selfless work.

Supporting Carers in Essex is a partnership of registered charities working together to support unpaid carers of all ages across Essex. It provides a single contact point for carers via a single telephone number or email address and a central point of reference for professionals.

If you care for a loved one and would like support call 0300 770 80 90.