The tireless efforts of the county's carers are being promoted by a north Wiltshire support group. SARAH SINGLETON looks at how the group is backing unsung heroes.

THE often forgotten army of people who care for relatives in their own home was given much needed support this week by an organisation created to care for carers.

Carers Support North Wiltshire is determined to change the attitudes of health professionals, encouraging them to take the role of carers more seriously.

Across the UK 5.7 million people are carers. Some may care for just a few hours, while for others, the role may take all day, everyday.

The support group, which had its annual meeting last week, was set up to give carers help, information and advice.

Chairman Marion Horsman joined the group in 1998. She has first-hand knowledge of the needs and problems of carers, having cared for her husband Dennis for more than four years.

Now she hopes the group can help carers overcome society's indifference to the problems carers face, as well as the obstacles sometimes thrown in an already difficult path by the medical profession and social services.

"Around 87 per cent of carers suffer from depression," she said. "And around 47 per cent have impaired health because of their role."

Often carers have to lift and move the people they are caring for, which can cause serious back problems, as partners caring for elderly spouses are often frail themselves.

She said: "The health profession need to take the concerns and needs of the carer into full consideration when they see a patient."

Carers can be any age. As well as looking after someone with a disability or an illness connected with old age, some take on the role when a family member becomes sick or is involved in an accident. Thousands of children are carers too. "Many child carers lose out on their childhood and their education," said Mrs Horsman.

"We arrange days out to give them time to be children again."

The organisation is based at 12 The Causeway, Chippenham. The group employs a manager and part-time support worker, with support groups in Corsham, Calne, Wootton Bassett, Cricklade, Malmesbury and Chippenham.

The group offers free advice and support, giving carers a chance to address their own needs, as well as providing information on services available, benefit entitlement, and local details about transport schemes, day centres and lunch clubs.

For further information contact Carers Support North Wiltshire on (01249) 444110.