A SUPPORT group for carers is being relaunched after a national report revealed three people in five will end up caring for a loved one.

Carers Darlington will provide information and support to the town's 9,000 unpaid carers, who look after chronically sick or disabled people.

The group is keen to attract new members and would like all carers in the Darlington area to get in touch.

Research has shown that many carers are forced into poverty in order to survive.

They often face problems maintaining paid employment, and many complain of being ignored by health and social care professionals.

The rise in numbers of carers has been brought about by an ageing population, and moves by the Government away from institutional care towards care at home.

It is predicted that 3.4m more carers will be needed nationwide by 2037, so the charity wants the Government, employers and social care professionals to take radical action.

The group, formerly known as Carers National Association - Darlington Carers Group, has changed its name to mirror the national charity Carers UK.

It has rebranded with the support of British Gas and is increasing its efforts to raise the profile of carers. A poster featuring celebrity carers has been launched.

Branch chairman Ken Fooks said: "It really is time that carers were more widely recognised and better treated."

Jacki Hiles or Pat Thompson, at Carers Darlington, can be contacted on (01325) 357533.