MORE support is desperately needed for young carers amid fears that thousands may still be going under the radar.

The number of young people caring for loved ones in Oxfordshire increased by 374 in just a few months earlier this year, according to new figures.

There are now 2,900 known young carers in the county but officials predict the real number could be up to four times this amount.

With children as young as three taking on caring responsibilities, young carers themselves have spoken out about how it forces them to grow up before they are ready.

It comes as Be Free Young Carers, which receives seven referrals a week and is the county's only dedicated charity, was almost forced to close in June due to a lack of funding.

A recently released councillor's report has called for Oxfordshire County Council to 'find ways' of keeping this service going and to work closer with schools to help better identify and help young people who may be struggling.

John Tabor, the director of Be Free, said: “Our children have very, very complicated lives and it’s their normal.

"That makes them so resourceful.

"We have got young carers giving morphine to their mother; some have to wake up in the middle of the night to make sure their dad’s still breathing.

"And then, in the morning, they have to go to school.”

Young carers are officially classified as anyone under 18 who provides regular ongoing care and emotional support to a family member who may be disabled, have mental health problems or misuse substances.

Often the children are forced to miss out on school or spending time with friends because of their role which can involve doing household chores and helping people wash or dress.

Naomi Pounce, 14, is a carer for her mother Rachel who has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

She lives at home in Didcot with her father, who is also disabled, and older brother, who has autism.

Mrs Pounce has a professional carer who comes most days but at other times her daughter is her primary care-giver.

Naomi cooks, shops and does the washing for her family as well as cleaning and helping her mother get undressed.

She told the Oxford Mail: "Sometimes I do feel different to a lot of my friends - their lives are very different to mine - but I don't mind.

"It does affect me emotionally and physically. When I'm at school I find myself worrying about what's happening at home and whether everything is ok - it can get distracting.

"I've been taken on trips to the ice rink with Be Free Young Carers and I really enjoy it.

"It is a great break to get away from it all.

"Something I have always wanted to do is go to a live music concert - just travel into Oxford to see some bands. That would be really fun. It's not possible at the moment but hopefully one day."

Mrs Pounce is calling for more funding to be given to Be Free Young Carers to support their work and more awareness among schools for young people with such responsibilities.

The 53-year-old said: "Naomi is determined to help when she can, and is very caring by nature, however she is working towards her GCSEs at the moment and is quite often exhausted because of the physical and emotional strain on her, due to her being a young carer.

"At the weekend she invariably has little energy left for social activity and is often needed at home anyhow.

"She has had to grow up fast, and adjust quickly to any changes."

The county council's report, prepared by Nick Carter with support from fellow councillors Emily Smith and Glynis Phillips, found that there's currently a 'vacuum' in broader support for young carers in Oxfordshire with the council's own young carers service focussing on those most in need.

Its top recommendation was to find ways of keeping Be Free Young Carers going, something which Mr Tabor said 'nearly knocked him off his chair'.

He added: "We weren’t expecting that recommendation at all.

"We were very open with the council: we drive over the potholes, we know the position it’s in.

"They were very honest with us and said it is an issue of choice [whether they fund charities]. There are options there I think. I wouldn’t put it any higher than that."

Co-author Emily Smith has pointed to cuts in local government funding, especially youth services, for being partly to blame for the burden placed on young carers with voluntary groups expected to fill the gaps without sufficient support.

She added: "I am convinced there are hundreds more young carers in the county that we are not aware of, children who do not realise they are 'carers' and that they are entitled to support, and also people who are concerned about seeking help.

"The council, and the Government, also need to address the lack of resource for Adult Social Care so that parents are getting the support they need from health services rather that having to rely on their children.

"We need to ensure assessments consider the whole family is taking into account when deciding what type of care package is required in each individual case."