Are you a Carer without even realising it? It is estimated that around one-in-ten patients in every GP practice in Rhondda Cynon Taf cares for a family member, friend or neighbour who is sick, disabled or frail.

That makes you a Carer - and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is here to support you.

When attention is given to supporting the needs of the person being cared for, the Carers own health and wellbeing can be overlooked. This often results in Carers experiencing high levels of stress, which can frequently lead to physical and mental health problems.

However, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Carers Support Project offers support, assistance, activities and advice all year round to carers across the County Borough.

Many people care for others without really recognising the fact that they are a Carer. These people are often juggling work and their own lives with their caring role and can sometime suffer from ill health themselves as a result.

“So the support that they are offered by Rhondda Cynonn Taf Council is invaluable.

“Whilst caring for someone, particularly someone you love, can be very rewarding, it is also very demanding, stressful and tiring. In Rhondda Cynon Taf we try to recognise and value the care provided by Carers, and support them as much as possible.

“The work undertaken by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Carers Support Project is exemplary and staff do all in their power to assist Carers in any way possible.

“Carers look after family, partners, friends or neighbours in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability - and the care they provide is unpaid.

“The Carers Support Project runs regular information sessions, workshops, training, along with stress-busting and complimentary therapy sessions and opportunities for carers to relax and socialise with other Carers.”

The Council’s Carers Project also produces newsletters three times a year to keep Carers informed about the services available to them as well offering a calendar of activities, and a free and confidential face-to-face or telephone counselling scheme, where individuals can talk to a trained listener.

For more information on the support that is available for Carers in Rhondda Cynon Taf, or to obtain a copy of the free Carers Guide, call the confidential Freephone CarersLine on 0808 100 1801 or Claire Perry on 01443 425431.