'Being a carer takes a massive toll on your childhood'

Heidi said very few people understand the strain young carers are under

A group of teenagers has come together to support each other through the tricky path of caring for a relative.

The Mosquito Mission, which is run by Gloucestershire Young Carers, is made up of carers aged 11 to 25.

Through Mosquito Mission, the young carers deliver training and awareness-raising sessions to those who most need to hear it, including teachers, social workers, GPs, university staff and trainee police officers.

Heidi, 17, has cared for her dad for many years and said the experience has taken a massive toll on her childhood. She said: "People don't understand that, so to have people who do understand is so good, to know that the people here just get it, is so nice."

In person and online, they share their stories and offer real-life insight into what being a young carer really looks like in Gloucestershire today.

Isabella Guttridge-Moore was 16 when she joined Mosquito Mission. Now 20, she said being part of the group has made a change to her life both personally and professionally.

"It's obviously quite daunting but it feels so powerful to know I am able to make a difference, with what I have been through and use my experience for positive, then just forget about it and brush it off," she said.

Meanwhile, Tori Fox, 18, said it has been amazing and stopped her feeling alone in her caring role.

"I feel like I have a strong sense of community here," she added.

Scott Bailey-Locke said the teenagers' confidence grow after realising their stories can change lives

Scott Bailey-Locke is the participation lead at Gloucestershire Young Carers. He helps guide the Mosquito Mission group as they prepare their talks and campaigns.

"Some come in really shy, maybe not ready to speak at all. But when they realise their stories can help change things, that's when the confidence comes," he said.

"A few have gone on to speak in Parliament or contribute to national policy groups. They just needed the platform. Now they have it and they're using it."

In recent years, Mosquito Mission members have spoken at the International Young Carers Conference in Manchester, co-hosted national training webinars and even helped shape local policies around youth and family support.

But with stigma still surrounding many caring roles, the Mosquito Mission aims to reach further, into every classroom and service that comes in contact with a young carer.

And they are now getting the recognition they deserve.

The Mosquito Mission has been nominated as a finalist in BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Make a Difference Awards in the Community category.

The awards celebrate unsung local heroes who go above and beyond to improve lives in the county.

Mr Bailey-Locke said the group was "over the moon" to be recognised.

"They've worked so hard, and this shows that people are seeing the difference they're making," he added.

You can find out more about the BBC Make a Difference Awards where you live here.