As you might have seen on our front page, we're helping the government to plan the best ways to help carers. And we need your opinions! So, if you'd like to help make a difference to people's lives, read on and join in.

Here's the official explanation:

"The Government is trying to decide how it can help all carers in the future. We have been asked by the Government to find out what would really help young carers so that their lives and the lives of family members they look after can be better in the future. It is really important to find out from you what help you and your family needs to have better lives. Your ideas will be shared with a company called Opinion Leader who will read all of your ideas and make suggestions to the Government about improving the lives of young carers and their families. All of your ideas will be treated in the strictest confidence and none of the comments will be linked with any young carer."

There are two ways you can join in. Firstly, you can come along to the special webchat with Sam and Ewan at 2:30 on Thursday 16th August. But if you can't make it to that, you can also let us know your thoughts here on this thread.

These are the things we'd like to know:

1. What thing you would change about your life as a young carer?
2. What help would you like to support your family?

Here are some questions that you can think about:

- What help do you need to do the things that you want to do?
- What about young people who don’t have help from a project? What help do they need?
- What help do you need so that you can have more fun?
- What would help you live a more healthy life?
- What help do you need so that you can stay safe?
- If you had to give a message to your teacher, what would that be?
- What would you like to tell your social worker?
- What should your GP know to help you and your family?

So, have a think. We know you lot are never short of ideas and opinions, so we're looking forward to seeing what you think!

The Youngcarers.net team.