A NEW strategy to support people who provide unpaid care for a friend or relative has been unveiled by Darlington Borough Council.

The Carers’ Strategy and Implementation Plan, and a Young Carers’ Action Plan, have been developed by the council and partners to ensure that all of Darlington’s estimated 11,000 carers are identified and are offered the help they need.

The strategy will be launched next week to coincide with Carers’ Week, a national event to celebrate and recognise the contribution of all of the UK’s 6 million unpaid carers.

In Darlington, support is available from the following organisations:

Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) Carers Support Service – provides information, advice and a listening ear, plus a number of group activities. For more information, call DAD on 01325-357533 or visit darlingtondisability.org

Tees Valley YMCA Young Carers Project – provides one to one support and group activities for young carers up to the age of 25. Visit teesvalleyymcayoungcarers.org.uk or call 01325-462452, ext 31.

Carers Emergency Support Service – offers carers peace of mind by making sure that the person they care for can be looked after if an emergency arises. Carers who register with the service can draw up an emergency plan, which identifies three family members, friends or neighbours as emergency contacts. If they are not available, or no emergency contacts can be identified, short term emergency support can be provided by the service. Call 01388-773884.

Carers Card – offers carers discounts and concessions from a range of businesses across Darlington and County Durham. To apply for a card, contact DAD Carers Support Service on 01325-357533.