A CARER from Kidderminster is supporting National Carers Week, which aims to promote awareness for people who look after friends or family members.

Fred Holland, 77, became a carer for his wife Shirley, 75, after she has a stroke and was diagnosed with dementia four years ago.

Mr Holland, who is known in his local community as a fundraiser for Diabetes UK, said: “It’s a tough role caring for someone.

“You have bad days and good days and it can become very easy to forget about yourself – but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

National Carers Week runs from June 9 to 15, and will be supporting more than 63,000 people in Worcestershire who are unpaid carers.

Mr Holland is urging all family carers in Worcestershire to seek help with their caring role.

He said he is grateful for the help he received from Worcestershire Association of Carers, an independent source of information, advice and support for all adult carers in the county.

“Worcestershire Association of Carers has been extremely helpful to me and I know if there is a problem they are only a phone call away,” he said.

“I would say to every carer, please don’t forget you’re not alone, it can get depressing at times but don’t give up.

“Give Worcestershire Association of Carers a call and get some help with your caring role.”

The association was set up in 1997 to work to raise the profile, as well as offer practical and emotional support to unpaid carers through help lines, support groups, training courses and the GP Support Service.

It also aims to raise public awareness of the issues carers face in accessing resources and preserving their own health and peace of mind.

Mr Holland added: “There is a lot of support for local carers out there – it’s just a question of knowing where to go for help.”

To coincide with National Carers week, an event is being held at Sainsbury’s in Kidderminster today, between 10am and 3pm.

The event will offer information about free support which is available to carers in Worcestershire.

For more information call the carers helpline on 0300 0124272 or visit carersworcs.org.uk