Northwich centre aims to help hidden carers (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich centre aims to help hidden carers

11:50am Monday 8th February 2010

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A HELPLINE has been set up to offer support and advice to ‘hidden carers’ who may not be aware that there is help available for them.

There are more than 50,000 people in Cheshire who care for family members but almost 25,000 are not registered and do not receive any help.

Northwich resident, Phil Hough, 37, from West Avenue, in Rudheath, who has cared for his mum and mentally ill brother for 18 years, said anyone who looks after another person who is frail, ill or disabled is a carer.

“Too often, people just fall into looking after friends and family members. They see what they do as a duty and don’t look upon themselves as carers,” he said.

David Harvey, chief executive of The Princess Royal Trust Cheshire Carers Centre, in Northwich, said it was important that carers were made aware that there is help available and someone to talk to who can help.

“Without help and support, before long you can find yourself struggling with what can be very physical and mental demands, trying to balance work and home life, and potentially risking your own health and wellbeing as a result,” he said.

A number of celebrities are supporting the Who Cares? campaign, including Paul O’Grady, Tony Robinson, Sir David Jason and Arlene Phillips.

Rob Finch, from Carers Direct, said the helpline was there for anyone who helped to care for others, whether for a few hours or days each week.

For more information, see nhs.uk/carersdirect or call the Carers Direct free phone helpline on 0808 802 02 02.

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