Unseen work of region's carers

The Carers' Open Day at Selby Day Care Centre in Union Lane, Selby, was organised by Selby and York NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) to highlight the unseen work of the region's carers.

It also gave carers a chance to meet and share their experiences with others in the same position.

Dr Sue Ross, chief executive of Selby and York PCT, said: "The work and dedication of carers can be often overlooked, many of them juggling careers and education whilst looking after a loved one who, for whatever reason, is unable to manage on their own.

"This week is about showing carers that there is support and advice out there and that they not alone." The York and Selby Carers Centre provides help and advice to around 1,000 carers of all ages from all across the area and statistics show that over 56,000 in North Yorkshire provide some form of unpaid care.

Dawn O'Rooke, manager of the York and Selby Carers' Centre, said: "Although Carers' Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness of carers, its important to remember the work of the Carers' Centre, together with our partner organisations, continues all year round, providing help and support to carers from across the area."

Events have been held across the country to mark National Carers' Week and Selby Abbey will be holding a special service on Sunday followed by a Carers' Tea to coincide with Selby Fun Day.

On Monday, a new service was launched called Ring Around Carers, which is a partnership between the national charity Community Network and BBC North Yorkshire.

The service is about providing a convenient "meeting place" for carers via the telephone and has the support of the Princess Royal, who is the patron of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Anyone who wants to join a telephone group can fill out a form and they will be given a time to be by the phone.

All conversations are confidential and participants are given 45 minutes of free talk time.

Updated: 12:23 Friday, June 13, 2003