ISOLATED young carers are being offered respite from their stressful responsibilities with a new activity club – the first of its kind in Dorking.
The town's United Reformed Church (URC) will offer free, monthly evening sessions from February for children aged 8 to 12, but with a view to expand.
A national survey found 68 per cent of young carers, who regularly sacrifice play-time to care for a sick or disabled family member, feel bullied or isolated at school.
Church chaplain Ted Bellingham, the brains behind URC's "my time with young carers" scheme, said: "Their responsibilities are so onerous. It robs them of a usual childhood.
"It means very often that homework doesn't get done and it can be they are very tired, and go to school tired."
Mr Bellingham was inspired to start the club following the closure of Mid Surrey Young Carer's centre in 2012. There are an estimated 100 young carers in Mole Valley.
The 59-year-old, from Chapel Lane, Westhumble, added: "A wide range of activities will be on offer, including indoor games and sports, arts and craft and of course plenty of food."
Experienced youth worker Tim Richards will lead a team of volunteers.
One of those is Kirsty Heard, 27, from Capel, who pledged her services after being handed a leaflet in the street.
She said: "It's something I've wanted to do for a while. I want to work with children long-term and this, well, it fits really."
Mr Bellingham and his wife Jane have plenty of experience of charitable projects, as they are key supporters of a school in south-east Uganda.
The country's BMK School once taught a handful of pupils in a house but now enjoys the company of about 821 children.
The new club has received support from councillor Hazel Watson (Lib Dem), Surrey Young Carers and financial backing from Paragon Software Systems.
The church's main hall will host the first session on February 13, from 5.30 to 7pm, and again every second Wednesday of the month.
For information call 07889 878471 or e-mail tedbellingham@aol.com
