A GROWING number of people in Worcestershire are taking on the role of unpaid carer for a partner, family member, neighbour or friend.

The national Census of shows there were nearly 64,000 carers in Worcestershire when it was last conducted in 2011 and that figure is estimated to have increased in the past five years. It is now thought that three in five people will be a carer at some point in their lifetime.

Being a carer can be extremely rewarding but it can also present new and difficult challenges – sometimes raising issues of stress, social isolation, money worries, depression and frustration.

Worcestershire Association of Carers has just been contracted to run an integrated carers hub to provide a one-stop shop for adult carers to access information, advice, support and training. This is being funded by Worcestershire County Council and the three clinical commissioning groups (CCG) in the county – NHS South Worcestershire CCG; NHS Wyre Forest CCG and Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG.

The hub aims to offer information, support and advice service tailored to the individual carer’s needs.

It aims to improve the physical and emotional well-being of carers by providing access to services that can advise and support on issues such as healthy living, reducing stress and isolation, increasing confidence as well as offering practical solutions to some of the challenges of being a carer.

Mel Smith, the hub’s manager, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to provide Worcestershire’s first Integrated Carers Hub.

“We have a solid track record in supporting carers and will continue to build on our extensive knowledge and experience to provide a central source of information, advice and support specifically designed to help carers meet the demands of their caring role.

“Often people don’t recognise themselves as carers and don’t always realise the impact caring can have on their own well-being. This service will absolutely focus on the health and wellbeing of carers.”

Councillor Sheila Blagg, cabinet member with responsibility for Adult Social Care, said: "The integrated carers hub is fantastic news for carers as it will offer real practical support and help them to carry out their vital work.

“It is always important not to pursue a one-size-fits-all approach and we are sure that by integrating services and contracting knowledgeable experienced individuals to manage the hub carers will have improved access to support whatever their level of need."

For further information or advice please contact the Carers Helpline by calling 0300 012 4272 which is open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and 9am to 12noon on Saturdays. Alternatively you can email mail@carersworcs.org.uk or visit www.carersworcs.org.uk

The association will also be working with carers and partners to develop new services to both support and empower carers. Anyone interested in getting involved in shaping new services for carers or would like more information about the hub can phone 01905 751346 or contact Mel by emailing msmith@carersworcs.org.uk

• Worcestershire Association of Carers is a charity which was founded in 1997. It represents carers at all levels; supports carers to represent themselves; organises consultation events; conducts awareness raising with agencies and organisations; links to national organisations; provides free practical sessions for carers; gives one to one support and runs other initiatives.

• A carer is someone who assists someone with some or all of the following duties: emotional support like listening and talking; household chores like cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing or shopping; medical care such as helping with medicine dosages or delivery; personal care like feeding, getting to the toilet, washing and dressing; physical care ensuring the person can move around their home