Across Britain, some 50,000 young carers are believed to be caring for a loved one, parent or sibling with a long term illness. Many of the adults cared for experience mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or even dementia.

The consequences on young carers' own physical and emotional health can be significant, forcing many to miss out on the pleasures their peers have the freedom to enjoy. Domestic duties also impact heavily on educational development, keeping some behind other children their age.

In 2007, we spent two months working with young carers in East Manchester. At first, we saw them as heroes or victims. But as we got closer, we saw how a sense of obligation and responsibility were qualities not limited to adults.

Commissioned by Tameside Council and Central Art Gallery, Ashton-under-Lyne