CARERS in Surrey received helpful advice and support from a number of local services at a meet-up event held at Farnham Hospital and Centre for Health.

Professionals from Action for Carers Surrey, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Hampshire, Surrey Social Services’ Adult Social Care Team, Surrey and Borders NHS Foundation Trust and Virgin Care came together to give carers an opportunity to find out information or ask any questions they needed.

People received advice on the support available for carers, which included how to register as a carer with a GP from carers advisors, and how to get a carers assessment while professionals shared information for people to find online, including access to Virgin Care’s Carers Club website.

Carers Club launched two years ago as a one-stop shop for advice for carers around England. Free massages were also available throughout the day thanks to the team from Princess Royal Trust for Carers Hampshire.

The event coincided with Carers Week Sarah Wardle, head of community care and rehabilitation for Virgin Care in Surrey, said:

“Throughout the year we support carers in our services and celebrate the amazing work they do, helping friends relatives and neighbours stay more independent.

“We’re pleased to have brought our partners together to offer crucial support for carers, with tips and advice to help them better support themselves and the people they care for.”

Rachel Brennan, senior carer adviser at Action for Carers, concluded: “Action for Carers are proud to be able to support carers who are the hidden heroes in our society.

“Carers Week enables us to highlight the issues carers face and also to meet carers who are currently without support.”