Some boys say my mum has no legs and that makes me very angry

Robin Knowles, 13

The festival, organised by the Children's Society as part of National Carers Week, will allow the youngsters to participate in sporting activities like football and sailing - activities they do not normally get a change to enjoy.

But it will also have a serious side. The young carers will be asked to participate in discussions which will inform a report on how the government and local authorities can improve their lives.

A study to be published during the conference suggests that most young carers are disadvantaged not only in their youth when they are looking after relatives but also well into adulthood.

The study, carried out by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, suggests that young carers tend to be tired at school and often miss days. This obviously impacts on their education.

Social skills suffer as well. Children who have caring responsibilities are often too busy to go out and play with other children.

They are sometimes bullied at school and can become lonely and withdrawn.

Robin has been teased by boys at his school. "They say my mum has no legs and that makes me very angry," he said.

Share experiences

Ian Sparks, chief executive of the Children's Society, said the three-day festival will give young carers an opportunity to share their experiences and be listened to.

"Many young carers feel their childhood has been taken away from them. They have too much on their shoulders from a very early age and haven't had the opportunities other children have had.

"That is why we are giving them the opportunity both to have a lot of fun and to talk about their experiences.

"Sometimes these children aren't listened to and if we don't listen we are depriving them of their futures."

The Children's Society is hoping to secure funding which will enable it to run the festival every year.

This year's festival is being held in Hampshire in partnership with the YMCA Fairthorne Manor National Centre.