THERE are estimated to be 63,000 unpaid carers in Worcestershire and many of them spent more than 50 hours a week caring for members of their family or friends with a serious illness, disability or addiction.

These informal carers play a vital part in supporting their relatives, neighbours and friends who could not manage without this extra help because they are ill, disabled or frail.

Nationwide these individuals provide care estimated to be valued at £119 billion a year – greater than the UK’s NHS annual budget.

Worcestershire Association of Carers, which provides an independent source of information, advice and support for unpaid carers in the county as well as representing them at local and national level, says national research indicates that the health of carers is often affected by the stresses and strains of their caring role and the lack of recognition they receive within their communities.

The association is aiming to reach as many carers in Worcestershire as possible this year through its Worcestershire Integrated Carers Hub and it is holding a series of roadshows at Libraries across the county – starting with Malvern Library today (Wednesday January 25) from 9.30am to 12 noon.

The hub has been commissioned by Worcestershire County Council to deliver support for local carers. It will be visiting Upton Library on Wednesday February 1 , Bromsgrove Library on Wednesday February 8, The Hive in Worcester on Wednesday February 15, Tenbury Library on Tuesday March 14, Rubery Library on Tuesday March 21, Droitwich Library on Tuesday April 4, Wythall Library on Wednesday April 5, Pershore Library on Wednesday April 12, Kidderminster Library on Wednesday April 26, Evesham Library on Wednesday May 3 and Broadway Library on Wednesday May 24.

These library roadshows offer informal drop in information sessions and people can go along and speak to a member of the hub team about support they may need in their caring role.

There will also be a volunteer co-ordinator at most of the venues so that anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with the charity can get information too.

The Council-funded Hub was launched last summer and offers information, advice and support personalised to meet the individual needs of carers.

It aims to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of carers by providing access to services that can advise and support on issues such as healthy living, reducing stress and isolation, increasing confidence as well as offering practical solutions to some of the challenges of being a carer.

A major benefit of the new hub to Worcestershire’s unpaid adult carers is that all the information they need to access services is now in one central place.

For more information about Worcestershire Association of Carers, the libraries roadshows or volunteering ring the helpline on 0300 012 4272, visit www.carersworcs.org.uk or email mail@carersworcs.org.uk