A schoolgirl experiences the challenges and rewards of looking after her disabled mum in this heart-rending video.

The animated short My Day was produced by Hounslow Council to raise awareness of the issues facing young carers, and the support available to them.

It follows a day in the life of its young protagonist, who struggles to keep up at school and misses out on socialising with her friends due to the strains of helping feed and bathe her mum.

But the film, also shows the brighter side of being a carer by portraying the incredibly close bond between the pair.

The film was released to coincide with Young Carers Awareness Day on Thursday, January 28, and the relaunch of the council’s young carers project, providing improved support for carers aged from five to 25.

They can attend weekly drop-in sessions at the Southville Community Centre in Feltham and benefit from advice, homework support and breaks away from home, among other services.

'Some young people don't realise they are carers'

Councillor Tom Bruce, Hounslow Council's cabinet member for education and children's services, said: "We want to make sure that all young carers in our borough are getting the help and support that they need.

"Raising awareness within schools and the wider community is very important, because many children and young people don’t even realise that the things they do at home mean they are a young carer, let alone that there is support that they can get.

"By producing this video, which follows the story of a young girl who is caring for her mum, we hope that people will recognise the difficulties and challenges our young carers face every day.

"Talking to the young people here today really brings to life the challenges that they face, and how support from the young carers project can help them in their everyday lives."

There are nearly 800 unpaid young carers in the borough, according to the council.

George, who is now 18, said he had benefited hugely from being involved with the young carers project for the last 11 years.

"The best thing about being involved in the project is chatting and getting everything off your chest," he said.

"You benefit from it so much, because even though your friends try to understand what you’re going through, they just can’t get it in the same way that other young people who are carers can."