A Cornwall young carer who looks after her mother, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, has launched a blog to share her experiences with other young carers.

Olivia Ferguson, 14, from Camelford has cared for her mother for six years since she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), taking on the cooking, cleaning and caring role while balancing her school work and social life as best she can.

Olivia said: ’Being a young carer can be a lonely and difficult experience and I’m keen to raise awareness of the issues young carers face as well as MS. My blog, ‘The Odd Pigeon’, shines a light on our lives that are understood by so few and will hopefully be helpful to those young people who find themselves in a similar situation.

’It’s very difficult for a young carer to access the support that they need for themselves because they are focusing so much of their attention on the person that they care for. 

’Action for Children through Kernow Young Carers were able to offer me the little things like knowing other young people who were in similar situations to the larger things like days out that would allow me to relax and breathe for a few hours.  I want people to know they are not alone and that there is help and support out there.’

Liz Digweed, family support practitioner for Action for Children’s Kernow Young Carers said:   ’We currently support around 850 young carers in Cornwall but there are many more young people in the county who care for someone at home and go unrecognised.

“’Olivia’s excellent blog is a great way to highlight the support these young people need.’

Olivia’s blog can be accessed at theoddpigeon.wordpress.com/ More information on Kernow Young Carers can be found at kernowyoungcarers.org/