THOUSANDS of unpaid carers throughout Worcestershire are helping to look after their family members and friends, keeping them well, safe and as independent as possible at home.

This week their contribution to those people and the community are being recognised during the annual nationwide Carers Week from June 8 to 14. The week also aims to raise awareness of caring and highlight the challenges carers face.

The Worcestershire Association of Carers has organised stands at 34 venues around the county to provide information about the work it does and the support that is available to unpaid carers.

Carole Cumino, chief executive of Worcestershire Association of Carers, said: “Carers perform a vital role in our society.

“Their contribution is under-recognised, as are the stresses and strains of what can be a very physically and emotionally demanding role, albeit one that is performed willingly and with love.

“This Carers Week I’d urge everyone who isn’t a carer to take a moment to recognise the role they perform and think about how you can support them.

“And if you think you don’t know a carer, think again. Three in five people will be a carer at some point in their lives, so if you’re not a carer yourself, you almost certainly know someone who is.”

The association’s stands providing information and the support that is available to unpaid carers will be at the following venues:

• On Monday June 8 there will be stands Riverside Community Hospital, Evesham; Malvern Health Centre; Elbury Moor Surgery Worcester; Alyma House Surgery , Kidderminster; Knightwick Surgery , Bromyard; Elgar Surgery, Redditch; Alexandra Hospital, Redditch; Malvern Library and Wythall Library.

• On Tuesday June 9 there will be information at Maple View Surgery, Redditch; Evesham Community Hospital, Waterside, Evesham; Job Centre Plus Worcester; Tenbury Wells Library; Worcester Royal Hospital; Haresfield House and St Martin’s Gate Surgeries, Worcester; Cornhill Surgery, Rubery; Chaddesley Corbett Surgery, Kidderminster and Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Bromsgrove.

• On Wednesday June 10 these venues will have details. Spring Gardens Medical Practice, Worcester; St John’s Surgery, Bromsgrove; Malvern Community Hospital; Kidderminster Library; Hillview Surgery, Redditch; Ridgeway Surgery, Redditch; Kidderminster Health Centre; Upton Surgery, Worcester and Haresfield House and St Martin’s Gate Surgeries, Worcester.

• Carer information will be available on Thursday June 11 at St John’s Surgery, Worcester; Job Centre Plus Worcester and Malvern Health Centre

• On Friday June 12 information will be available at Friday 12 June Henwick Halt Surgery, Worcester; Grey Gables Surgery, Redditch.

• Saturday June 13 sees stands at Friary Walk, Worcester and Worcester Guildhall

For more details visit http://www.carersworcs.org.uk/news/worcestershire-association-of-carers-in-carers-week-2015.html

Nationally six major charities are combining forces to launch the week and calling on individuals, organisations, the Government and the media to join a nationwide drive to reach thousands of carers missing out on vital support and services.

Across the UK 6.5 million - 1 in 10 people - are caring for a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill. As our population ages, the number of carers is rising fast which leaves more people in need of support.

Without help and assistance at the right time carers can find themselves facing financial hardship, health problems, emotional stress and relationship breakdown.

Carers Week will be engaging with individuals and local organisations, including community groups, GPs, health and social care professionals and employers and asking them to connect with those who are caring.

Carers Week is made possible by Carers UK joining forces with Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support and MS Society.