A CHARITY is calling for more support and understanding for carers.

With a national awareness campaign taking on the theme of Carer Friendly Communities, Tim Poole, chief executive of Carers Gloucestershire are pleading with individuals and organisations to recognise carers.

Mr Poole said: "We are asking everyone to reach out to carers in their communities whether as neighbours, employers or colleagues to offer understanding and support to carers.

"Carer-friendly communities have the characteristics of addressing the needs of carers.

"For example, companies might include carer-friendly policies or listen to the needs of their employees who are balancing work with caring responsibilities.

"Schools and health care providers might support carers by recognising them as such and the challenges they face, adapting what they do accordingly to make carers’ lives that little bit easier.

"Or it may be as simple as a neighbour offering to pick up a newspaper and a pint of milk while they’re out shopping.

"There are around 63,000 carers across Gloucestershire, with around 22 people each day taking on new care responsibilities for a loved one.

"The impact ranges from manageable to devastating, where some people find their lives turned upside down.

"Three in five of us will be carers in our lifetime, which will only increase with an ageing population, so it is an issue for all of us."

GP practices across the county are doing their bit to create carer-friendly communities.

Carers Gloucestershire has been supporting carers across Gloucestershire for 25 years and aims to provide a better life for carers.

The organisation provides a range of services including advice and guidance, a caring programme, carer-to-carer support, carers counselling, carer support groups and day trips for carers.

To find out more visit www.carersgloucestershire.org.uk or call 0300 111 9000.