IN 1988 who could have imagined that Carers Careline - the Redditch community charity then just founded by Geoff Dry - would still be alive and kicking 30 years later.

Not only is it still alive and kicking but during those three decades it has gone from strength to strength providing health, mental and emotional support to thousands of unpaid carers in the Redditch area.

The charity, at the Ecumenical Centre in the town centre, recently celebrated the special milestone.

But, it hasn't all been plain sailing with the charity only recently facing the devastating prospect of having to close due to funding cuts.

Fiona Mitchell, the charity’s chief officer, admitted last year was "touch and go".

She said: "We were on the brink of closing and desperate for our bids for funding to be successful. Thank goodness they were."

She added: "All that time ago, Geoff had seen that Redditch had hundreds of unpaid, unrecognised people caring for family and friends.

"These carers needed emotional and social support, as well as practical assistance, to help them survive. Today there are over 9,000 carers in Redditch alone - six and a half million, across the country - and the charity’s support is even more crucial."

Amongst other things, Carers Careline arranges telephone support, drop-ins, coffee mornings, outings, group meetings, counselling.

The charity runs all kinds of events and activities to give carers a bit of relief from their responsibilities and bring them together with others who share their difficult and distressing situation.

Often, friendship groups evolve from the events, resulting in carers feeling less isolated.

One carer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "The monthly phone call from Carers Careline means such a lot. I know that I can call them at any time for help and comfort.

"I cannot thank the dedicated staff and volunteers enough for the difference they make to my life."

So how does Fiona think the next 30 years will evolve?

"It’s hard to say," she said.

"The need for carer support is obviously going to grow and grow with our ageing population. The real problem is lack of social care funding, though the Government has promised they’re looking at that."

She added: "If you’re a carer – or you know someone who is, please don’t struggle on your own. We can support you."

For more information on the charity, call 01527 66177, email info@carerscareline.co.uk, or drop in at the office at the Ecumenical Centre between 10am and noon Monday to Thursday.