A CARERS' champion is hoping to make the lives of "unsung hero" carers in Eden a little easier.

There are more than 6,000 unpaid carers in Eden, and Jennifer Bell, trainee assistant practitioner in the Eden Memory and Later Life Service at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, wants to make sure they get the support they need.

This week is National Carers Week (June 11 to 17) and Jennifer said: "Unpaid carers are an amazing local resource and there is so much support available to them through carers’ organisations – such as Eden Carers who I work with.

"My role as a carers’ champion is to make sure that carers accessing our health services are aware of this support.

“I have worked with Eden Carers for around 15 years through various health and care roles. During this time we’ve built up good relationships, so becoming a carers’ champion last year felt like a natural next step. I initially did two hours of training, learning more about the role of carers and the services Eden Carers offer, and now keep up to date with any developments."

Jennifer said the Eden Carers charity offers everything from practical advice, information and emotional support to workshops, lunch groups and a sitting service. They also offer volunteer opportunities that can have enormous benefits for people in local communities.

“Not all carers see themselves as such, so part of my role is to look for opportunities where Eden Carers can help," said Jennifer.

"I encourage everyone to try out the carers’ support group. Caring can feel very lonely so having the opportunity to talk to others in a similar position can make a big difference.

"It’s really important to encourage carers to look after their own health and wellbeing, to prevent carer strain becoming detrimental."

Dani Leslie, chief officer at Eden Carers, added: “Carers’ champions identify and support previously unidentified carers and raise the profile of the work we do to enable more people to access our services. Health professionals come into contact with carers daily so they are well placed to take on this role. The work Jen does is invaluable and we hope sharing her story will encourage others to do the same.”

For more, see www.edencarers.co.uk