A CARER is urging others looking after someone else to access support available to them.

As Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service celebrates National Carers Week with a full week of activities and events, Emma Hesketh, from Darwen, revealed the positive support she has received.

Mrs Hesketh is one of thousands of carers who cared for their parents and now cares for her husband, who has complex mental health issues as well as physical disabilities.

She said: “The caring role can be isolating, and lonely, and carers can forget themselves.

“That is why this service is so invaluable.

“The commitment, passion and advocacy they show for carers is without parallel, I would recommend them to anyone in a caring role.”

Mrs Hesketh works at Blackburn Library as the equality and access officer and supports the work of its Health Hub, with digital resources for achieving good health through online support systems.

She said: “The library is a wonderful point of access for many support systems, in addition to books.

“Funding from the Good Things Foundation has enabled us to reach a lot of vulnerable people, in many innovative ways -and anyone wanting information on this should feel free to contact me there.”

The Carers Service provides information, support and advice to family members who are caring for a loved one with an illness or disability and could not manage without their help.

Sam Morris, CEO for the Carers Service, said: “Carers Week is an opportunity to shout about how amazing carers are by sharing their stories, giving a real insight into the world of caring.

“They are inspiring, motivating and very emotive.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic the Carers Service adapted all its services to meet the needs of carers online using digital platforms.

Carers are enjoying meals delivered to their homes and pamper packs to show how appreciated they are, and even the annual AGM, attended by over 50 people, took place using Zoom and was a hugely positive experience for all.

Karen Howarth from Brain Health Breakthrough also offers free group sessions and one to one coaching for unpaid carers.

Find out more at www.brainhealthbreakthrough.co.uk.

If someone is looking after a family member they can get in touch with Blackburn with Darwen Carers on 01254 688440, or visit their website www.bwdcarers.org.uk