THE vital role played by carers will be celebrated and promoted during National Carers Week next week.

Carers Support North Wiltshire has organised a host of special events.

National Carers Week was set up to support the six million unpaid carers in the UK, people who care for a relative, friend or neighbour with a disability or illness.

The theme this year is health as two thirds of carers who provide care for more than 50 hours a week say their health has been affected. Research shows that in general a carer's own health is likely to suffer because of their caring role.

An estimated 11,300 people in north Wiltshire are carers and nearly 2,000 are providing more than 50 hours of care a week.

Carers Support North Wiltshire provides a confidential service for carers, offering support, advice and information, including opportunities to look after a carer's own needs, a chance to meet up with other carers and guidance through the services available.

Manager Jeni Thomas said Carers Week was important because it raised the profile of carers and helped carers to identify themselves as such.

"Many carers would not give themselves the title.

"They just get on with the job and if it is husband, parent, or child they do not think it applies to them," she said.

Around 700 carers are registered with the Carers Support North Wiltshire.

The service offers one-to-one support, advice on access to benefits and services, or housing problems.

It can also help carers address their own needs.

It can help to get them back to work, or with training.

Local events for National Carers Week include a coach outing to Weston super Mare on Monday.

There will also be a quiet day at Ammerdown in Somerset for carers on Tuesday.

Information stands will be on display at libraries throughout north Wiltshire.

A new carers information pack and carers emergency card will also be launched.

All carers are welcome to contact Carers Support North Wiltshire, at 12 The Causeway in Chippenham for further information.

Call (01249) 444110 for details.