ROADSHOWS to help the elderly were launched in east Durham yesterday.

Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT) has organised a series of events devised to help older people enjoy healthier lives and assure them that care is in place when they need it.

Consultations have been carried out over the past few months.

At the roadshows people can pick up an information pack which will highlight five key areas of the PCT's older people strategy The Time of Your Life.

They include helping prevent the onset of ill-health, aiding the promotion of independence either in residents' own homes or in a group living situation.

Also on offer are services that provide care and rehabilitation on a short-term basis to avoid unnecessary admissions to hospital and long term-care. There will be advice on the available support during illness, as well as information on palliative and terminal support.

The events began at Grampian House, in Peterlee, and will continue tomorrow, also at Grampian House, between 11am and noon, and at Peterlee Town Centre on Tuesday. On Wednesday, it moves on to Peterlee's Age Concern pop-in centre from 9.30am to 11am, and then at Asda in the town between noon and 2pm.

At each roadshow there will be representatives from Easington PCT, district and Macmillan nurses and members of the the area's Rapid Response Team.

Blood pressure checks will also be available at Asda, Peterlee town centre and the Age Concern pop-in centre.