PLANS to create an official charity to support young carers are progressing well.

Crossroads Care, which runs young carers’ centres, closed the Braintree and Halstead centres on April 1.

Clare Reeve used to work at Crossroads Care as a project manager between 2007 and 2014.

She helped set up the Halstead centre in Parsonage Street.

Mrs Reeve, now a private counsellor, is trying to raise £5,000 to register a wellbeing charity for young people.

The charity, called Talk, Listen, Care, will provide a voluntary service for young people who cannot afford to get help privately.

A potential venue to house the charity has been found in Braintree and Sinead Yates, chairman of the group, said it is an exciting time.

Mrs Yates, director of her construction firm in Braintree, said: "We have seen people who are so low and they have nowhere to go and it's difficult.

"We have put an application in for a property in Braintree, it will be a safe haven and we are really excited.

"It builds a bit of confidence knowing there are people behind this and it's a fantastic idea."

She said it was disappointing to hear of the closure of both centres.

She said: "A lot of time and effort was spent setting it up and there was really no forethought over what will happen.

"These people are vulnerable and are under an immense amount of pressure.

"Braintree was probably the closest venue for Halstead residents and some people there cannot afford to travel, it's really upsetting it has gone."

Essex County Council Youth Service is planning to offer alternative support opportunities.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/talklistencare.

A meeting is being held at Ignite Business on Springwood Industrial Estate in Braintree on May 4.

Anyone interested in helping out with the charity can attend.