AS we head into the winter months, sharply rising fuel bills play on many minds and the prospect of an additional expense seems almost too much to bear at a time of such immense financial pressure.

And it is so often the vulnerable who find themselves facing the most extreme conditions at this time of year, including the nation's six million carers.

Nine-out-of-ten carers surveyed recently by Turn2us have concerns about how they are going to manage to pay fuel bills through the coldest months. The research also reveals the disturbing fact that over half of carers are not claiming carers allowance, and one-in-five are not claiming any benefits at all. This is the case despite the fact that carers offer an unpaid contribution of £119bn every year to the UK's economy.

It is more important than ever to ensure that everyone, especially those who need help the most, are aware of their potential entitlement to welfare benefits.

I would urge all carers to access the benefits checker at turn2us.org.uk, and discover what they might be entitled to, how much and where to claim.

Spread the message and let’s get those who most need financial support claiming what they may be entitled to.

Lynda Bellingham Ambassador, Turn2us.