Largest ever local conference on caring at Villa

What's billed as the biggest conference on caring ever held in the Island gets underway at the Villa Marina this afternoon.

The event will focus on the challenges facing young people who look after an older relative on a daily basis.

It's thought there are 1000 young carers in the Island doing a hands-on job normally carried-out by an adult.

The conference has been organised by Crossroads which runs a project giving young carers a break.

A keynote speaker from the UK will outline the support offered to young carers there.

Later a film made by young Manx carers will show how caring has changed their lives.

Karen Davies is Children's Services officer at Crossroads Care.

She hopes to encourage more understanding of young carers:

The event starts at 1.30pm at the Villa, it's free and open to the public.