NEARLY three quarters of young carers feel lonely during the summer holidays, research has found.
A survey by Action for Children Northern Ireland found almost half spend more than four hours a day during the summer caring for a relative.
This is the equivalent of losing an entire week of holidays.
There are an estimated 700,000 young people across Britain and Northern Ireland caring for a family member with a disability, illness or mental health problem.
Typically, young carers help with practical tasks around the home such as cooking, housework and shopping; physical care, such as helping someone out of bed; and personal care, such as helping someone dress.
Dawn Shaw, Action for Children's Director in Northern Ireland, said: "The summer holidays can be heartbreaking for young carers who are often isolated and trapped at home, while their friends are having fun in the sunshine, playing sports or enjoying adventures abroad."
