By Jennifer Manders

CARERS Action Worcestershire has set up new support groups throughout the county, including in Kidderminster and Stourport.

It is also looking for more volunteers for its telephone befriending service, Carer Talktime.

The support groups meet once a month to allow carers to meet and socialise with other carers, gain information and advice for their role and enjoy recreational activities.

One long-term carer of a husband with dementia said: “I felt so alone until I joined my local group. I came seeking information but found friendship as well.”

The telephone service is just for the carer and provides a regular, confidential phone call to help carers feel less isolated and better supported.

A mother of a severely disabled child said: “I just needed someone to talk to.”

In Worcestershire, there are 57,000 informal carers, those who are unpaid, with many looking after friends and relatives with serious illnesses or disabilities for more than 50 hours a week.

The care they provide has been valued at £89 billion, which is the equivalent of the national NHS budget each year but national research has shown that carers’ health can be affected by the stresses and strains of their role.

Carers Action Worcestershire is made up of the Worcestershire Association of Carers, Redditch Carers Careline and Crossroads Care Worcestershire.

For more information on the support groups, contact Helen Lubin on 01905 751343 or email hlubin@carersworcs.org.uk and for more information on Carer talktime, contact Alison Cutner on 01905 751347 or email acutner@carersworcs.org.uk