At the start of National Carers Week 2009 (8 – 12 June), Bridgend County Borough Council is reminding carers who live in the county borough of the support that is available to them. A carer can be any age and is someone who supports a family member, partner or friend who cannot manage on their own. Three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives, but often face a lack of recognition, despite saving the UK economy an incredible £87 billion. Carers Week aims to highlight and celebrate their contribution, as well as inform those who are unaware of the services and benefits they are entitled to. Bridgend County Borough Council supports local carers by offering information, carer’s assessments and support where necessary. In addition, the council provides funding for a number of organisations and agencies that support and provide services for carers. Bridgend County Borough Council provides social care services to over 4,000 adults and young people and of those, over 2000 will have carers supporting them. Councillor Lyn Morgan, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said: “I want to use National Carers Week to pay tribute to all the people of this borough who care for family and friends. “Many face the difficulty of juggling their caring responsibilities with work or they have to give up their income and pension rights to look after a loved one. They are, in many ways, an invisible workforce but one we could not do without. They deserve all our praise, thanks and support.” The Bridgend Carer’s Forum, chaired by ex-carer Joyce Chatterton, is made up of carers and organisations that support them. Joyce said: “Communication and support for carers is key, and the forum enables carers to talk through and share issues that they face on a daily basis.” Find out more about Carers Week 2009 by visiting www.carersweek.org