THE South Somerset GP Practice Carers' Champions held a carers' information day at Palmers Garden Centre in Yeovil.

The event, which is held every year, is an opportunity for carers to meet each other and shares ideas and experiences over a free cup of tea or coffee.

Carers' champions - volunteers at GPs surgeries across Somerset – were present on the day, helping carers to understand the help and support which is available to them.

Julie Woan, manager for South Somerset Healthcare Federation, said: “We are a group of 20 GP Practices in South Somerset working collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing awareness of our local community.”

South Somerset District Council’s Careline service was also present to provide carers’ and visitors with information about the service that can be provided at the touch of a button.

Careline provides help at the touch of a button and gives that little extra support to people who want to remain living independently for as long as possible while bringing peace of mind to their family and friends.

Susan Hartnell-Beavis, who helped organise the event, said: “Many people do not recognise themselves as carers because they have been looking after a partner, parent or child with special needs for many years. It is something they have done willingly, without realising the toll it may be taking on their own health.

“There are around 58,000 carers in Somerset alone and they, along with those in all the other counties, save the country £119 billion a year.

“They are a very valuable commodity and we need to do all we can to help them before they themselves become the ones who need to be cared for.”

Also present on the day were representatives from the Alzheimer's Society, carers' assessment from the Somerset Partnership, and support workers from Compass Carers.

The council’s Cllr Sylvia Seal, who has responsibilities for operational housing and welfare in the district, said: “The event is designed to help people realise they are carers and that there is help available from a wide range of organisations out there for you.

“Careline is a fantastic service which can help to put your mind at rest about the person that you are caring for and our friendly staff are always there to receive alarm calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year”.

Careline is currently offering one month’s free rental to new customers when you sign up to Careline before October 31, 2015.

To find out more information about how Careline can help you, your family or friends, please call 01935-479815.