A Spa woman has described the many daily challenges she faces caring for her disabled son, writes Chris Flavell.

Following National Carers Week, Angela Hands has spoken to the Advertiser/Messenger to highlight her fear that many people are missing out on much-needed support because they are not aware that they are eligible for it. She also believes that the help is needed now more than ever because of the difficulties disabled people and their carers face doing things that others take for granted.

Angela's story begins after she moved to the Spa nearly seven years ago. Shortly after moving to Droitwich from Birmingham, Angela's son Aiden, who was then three, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is a severe muscle wasting condition which has seen Angela caring for him ever since.

She is full of praise for Worcestershire County Council's carers unit after eventually turning to them for help.

"I think that there are a lot of people who don't realise that help and support is available to them and that there are people who can answer their questions," said Angela, who lives in Bays Meadow.

"A lot of people may know about it, but don't think that they are eligible for help because they are caring for a family member, but this is not the case.

"I would advise anyone to speak with the carers unit. I didn't to start with, but felt much better about my situation when I did. It helps to speak to others out there so you feel as though you are not on your own," she said.

The carers unit helps people to fill in forms, get grants for equipment and answer questions for those who regularly care for others. Angela says that this kind of help has been vital.

"It is not the disability that is hard to cope with or the fact that my son will not live very long. It is the way that carers have to fight for even the most basic equipment to help them. It is not fair," she said.

"Housing provision is also not good enough. It seems that housing is being made available for the elderly and single mums, but not for people with disabilities."

Aiden, who is now ten, is in a wheelchair and has to be pushed around town by Angela.

"I have a problem with the High Street in Droitwich. Most of the shops are not accessible for disabled people and there is not enough room on the footpath for pedestrians and a wheelchair. The dropped curbs always have cars parked in front of them. It is very difficult in Droitwich," she added.

"I think more could be done for people with disabilities and their carers. However, the carers unit is a big help and they do make things easier."

Worcestershire County Council's carers unit can be contacted on 0800 3892896.