A CHARITY has started a campaign to encourage the public to help carers in their local community.

The Scarborough and Ryedale Carers Resource has launched ‘Enabling a Caring Community’ – a year-long campaign to raise local community awareness and support for people who give of themselves in an unpaid caring role.

The charity says up to one in eight people are currently working as unpaid carers, and they are seeking volunteers, fundraising ideas, sponsorship and awareness to help support them.

Chris Newsam, who is leading the campaign, said: “Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer; they are just looking after their partner, mother, son, or best friend, just getting on with it and doing what anyone else would in the same situation. The sad thing is that many carers struggle, often without respite or recognition, leaving many feeling a sense of isolation from their communities. Over time this can and does lead to anxiety and deteriorating health.

“This campaign is about seeking the ways and the means to ensure more carers are helped and have access to what they need to make their lives better. “

For further details, or if you are a carer and would like to know what practical and emotional support is available, call Mr Newsam on 01751 473727 for further details, or visit www.carersresource.net