A worrying 64% of carers have never accessed any support services, such as respite breaks or counselling, and have only sought help from family and friends according to new research by Carers Trust.

Furthermore 60% of those that have been caring for more than five years have done so without any extra support.

The new research reveals that almost half of carers struggle on with their caring role without realising there is any help available.

Anne Roberts, Chief Executive of Carers Trust said: ‘As this survey shows many unpaid carers have never accessed any support services to help them in their caring role. We already know that many carers simply don’t have any awareness of the kind of help that is out there and what a huge difference it could make to their lives.'

Crossroads Care Cheshire West, Wirral & Shropshire are a registered charity specialising in providing respite care for carers. There has recently been a merger between Crossroads Care and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, creating Carers Trust. Carers Trust works to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

If you know anyone who is an unpaid carer in need of some help, or if you are a carer yourself struggling with your situation then please contact our care team for an informal discussion on 0151 343 1960, or e-mail [email protected]

thanks for this :-)

Many ask for help, though I don't mean Crossroads, and just don't get it. Social Services formal reviews have been dreadful. No doubt by now most carers have given up asking for assistance.

Being a carer can be hard at times, both mentally and physically. You do it because you care and the person you are careing for would do the same for you. If you are the sole carer and there is no family to give help and support, this can be very hard and sometimes you feel like giving up but you carry on. When the person you are careing for prefers only you and dosent want help from a outsider. Relationships can be difficult for a carer, so you just put your life on hold..

Thank you to those organisations out there such as Crossroads Care. Carer's need care too..