THE CARER’S Trust Warrington and Cheshire has been named our charity of the month for March as we look to recognise the hard work they do supporting residents who look after their loved ones.

AT a town centre cafe, a group of relaxed residents are laughing and chatting over a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

But for many of them, this might be the only chance they have to get out of the house all week. It is a meeting of the Carer’s Trust dementia group, just one of the projects the charity runs to help carers of all ages who often put their loved ones first, with their own health sometimes suffering as a result.

Carer support co-ordinator Eleanor Jones explains how the charity helps with everything from getting driving lessons or a new washing machine to applying for benefits and offering emotional support.

The organisation, based at The Gateway, also work with Warrington Collegiate who offer free pampering sessions for hardworking carers where trainee therapists give haircuts, massages and other treatments.

Eleanor, who grew up in the town centre and has worked with the trust since 2013, said: “Carers often feel isolated and alone, they can get stuck at home. So we do home visits and sometimes they will just give me a call for a chat so they can offload whatever is on their mind.

“Sometimes carers don’t realise they need support themselves. They might come in and they’ve had no sleep, not eaten properly and not spoken to anyone except the person they care for, sometimes for up to a fortnight. 

“We help them make friends with other carers who are going through the same issues.”

And it is not only older people who take on the responsibility of caring for their loved ones. The charity helps many young carers, some children from age nine, who look after their parents or siblings.

A seven week caring with confidence course offers an introduction to all aspects of the role, from finances to emotional support and practical tips.

Eleanor added: “We help people apply for grants for things like maybe a new washing machine if their’s breaks or even driving lessons. I haven’t had a single one that hasn’t been funded yet. One woman is caring for her dad and was having to get two buses every day to work and struggling with her job. We helped her get funding for driving lessons and I’m happy to say she’s just passed - I know it’s made a big difference to her life. We want people to know that there is support for them too as carers.”

Visit carers.org for information.