CARERS across the borough are being encouraged to seek advice and support available to them.

As part of Carers Week, which started today, Monday, residents are being urged to find out more about the services on offer and there will be a series of roadshows with staff from Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre on hand to help.

Carers are people who look after relatives or friends who, because of an illness or disability, can’t manage at home without help.

Many people don’t see themselves as carers – they might be parents, children, partners, friends or neighbours.

Gail Byrne, Strategic Development and Centre Manager at Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre, said: “Often carers don’t recognise themselves as carers which can be a barrier to accessing help and support, or they may not know where to go to and only hear about the support that they could have accessed when they have been caring for many years.

“So that carers can continue to care, it is crucial that carers recognise themselves as carers and have a single point of access, like the Carers Centre, where they can come to for practical and emotional support.”

Cllr Keith Cunliffe, cabinet member for adult social care and health at Wigan Council, said: “We recognise the vital role carers play in our communities and want to ensure they are getting the right support.

"They spend their lives diligently caring for other people but often their own health needs are not always met.

“Caring can be very rewarding, but it also makes demands on your time, your health and your emotions, and can be very tiring.

"It’s easy to forget about your own needs when you’re caring for someone else but it is important to look after yourself.

“There is so much support available to local carers through Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre.

"We would urge people to come along to a roadshow or contact the centre for some friendly advice.

"It could make a huge difference to your life.”

Last year the borough’s Health and Wellbeing Board signed the Greater Manchester Carers Charter and pledged to work together, across the borough to better support carers.

To celebrate carers and all that they do there will also be a free celebration party at Village on the Green, Aspull, on Saturday, June 22 for carers and the people they care for.

The "Carers Party on the Green" event will be a chance for people to meet other carers and enjoy an afternoon of live music, tasty food and activities for all ages.

If you’re a carer and want to find out more about the support available click here or contact the Carers Centre on 01942 705959 to book your place at Carers Party on the Green.

Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre roadshows

Tuesday, June 11 - 10am-2pm - Spinning Gate Shopping Centre, Ellesmere street Leigh

Wednesday, June, 12 - 9.30am-noon - Leigh Walk in Centre, The Avenue, Leigh

Thursday, June 13 - 9.30am-noon - Ormrod House, Atherton Health Centre Nelson Street, Atherton

Friday, June 14 - 10.00am-noon - Kidglove Surgery, Kidglove House, Kidglove Surgery, Golborne