HUNDREDS of children, some as young as five, are caring for sick or disabled relatives in Gwent, an Argus investigation reveals.

And while more than 300 children in Greater Gwent are classed as young carers, with responsibility for looking after someone with physical or mental illness, the true figure is likely to be to be at least twice that number.

Richard Andrews, Newport Young Carers co-ordinator, said young carers are difficult to help, because often families conceal their situation.

"A lot of families do not want people to know of their difficulties and some do not even recognise what they are doing as caring," he said.

Newport Young Carers Contact Centre opened in 2001 with the aim of being an unthreatening and accessible point for these carers, their families and the public to be able to get information, advice and support.

It is working with 55 young carers from across Newport and it has contact with more than 100 - but Richard said that was just the tip of the iceberg. He said: "I wouldn't be surprised if there were over 200 young people affected in New-port alone."

Most young carers look after family members with disabilities, physical or mental health problems, or suffering from substance abuse. Their age can vary. Some as young as five have caring duties, but the main responsibilities tend to begin when children reach their teenage years.

"Almost all young carers are responsible for an element of supervision," he said.

"Some also have to prepare their own meals, help with the housework, do the shopping or pay the bills.In a few cases their caring responsibilities affect their school attendance. Many drop out of school altogether."

Young carers can suffer socially as they become isolated from their peers, which has a knock-on effect on their self-confidence and self-esteem. Their education can also take second place to their caring role.

Fiona Stevens, children's services manager for Caer-philly Open Door Carer's project, provides advice, individual mentoring and group activities for the youngsters and their families.

"It's important that we make sure that all the support networks are in place so that the young carers know where to come for reliable help and advice. It's also vital that we help to give the youngsters a break from their caring duties."

Cindy Walters is project officer with Blaenau Gwent Young Carers which works with 30 youngsters. She is sure there are many more youngsters the project is unaware of.

She said: "We liaise with professionals, such as educational welfare officers and social workers, which does help with the whole care package they receive.

"We can highlight problems that maybe parents would not like to do with education welfare officers and teachers and try to fight their corner." The project runs a weekly youth night and even provides door-to-door transport to ensure the youngsters get a break. They also organise trips and take them out to events such as the Christmas pantomime.

"We try to do as much as we can with the money we have," Cindy said. There are no statistics for each local authority area in Wales. Young carer groups in Greater Gwent provided figures for our investigation. Torfaen, which does not have a similar project, provided an estimated figure.