BRIGHT 18-year-old Emily Cannell is today studying her International Baccalaureate.As if that was not enough to keep her busy, she has also been working part time as a volunteer since last November.

BRIGHT 18-year-old Emily Cannell is today studying her International Baccalaureate.

As if that was not enough to keep her busy, she has also been working part time as a volunteer since last November.

Her voluntary work involves helping at activities and fun days for Young Carers who look after family members. These young carers don't always have the opportunity to take part in activities like the rest of their peer groups because they have important responsibilities in their homes.

Emily, from Pashwood Place in Ravenswood said: “It's really satisfying to be helping someone. I never realised I was a 'people person' until I did this.”

It's thanks to volunteers like Emily that the young carers are able to get some respite from their responsibilities and really have some fun.

Twice a month Emily helps out with recreational days for the young carers at Claydon Community Centre, where youngsters can play video games, paint, play sports or just relax in the therapy room.

Emily has also helped on outings with the youngsters, including a trip to the dry ski slope at Wherstead, and visits to the theatre.

Emily looks after ten to 15, seven to 12 year olds.

She gets quite attached to the youngsters and said: “They are so outgoing, you get to know them very well.”

She plans to continue volunteering next year and said: “Don't let people stop you from doing what you want. We have so much stress these days but you just have to keep going.”

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