Carers Week highlights the vital work done by those who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. This year, the theme for the week is ‘Carers… The UK’s secret service’ and calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the incredible contribution they make to their families and their communities.

Many carers in Trafford suffer due to a lack of understanding about what they do – some don’t even recognise themselves as carers. This has a real and negative impact on their health, finances, working and social life, and general wellbeing. Our is one of many activities and services that we provide to support carers and make their lives as easy as possible.”

This year’s Carers Week is supported by the actor Sir David Jason, who cared for his girlfriend before her death from breast cancer.

Sir David said: “Having been a carer myself, I am all too aware of the huge burden on those who are looking after a loved one and the daily struggles they face. Carers really are the unsung heroes of our society and all too often they struggle to get the recognition they deserve. I’m proud to be part of Carers Week and lend my voice to the call for more support and services for carers”

Other celebrities supporting this campaign, all of whom have had experience of caring, include: Sir Geoff Hurst, Fiona Phillips, Jonathan Dimbleby and Arlene Phillips.

Carers Week is a partnership of 10 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS.

For more information about the events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.