A MUCH-needed network of local support groups has been set up for carers in St Helens following a successful partnership between the Carers National Association (CNA) and local NHS groups.

Nationally, it is estimated that one in five people cares for someone else, equalling between 20,000 to 25,000 people in the St Helens area alone. Now, thanks to the close links set up between the CNA, St Helens and Knowsley Community Trust Health promotion department and funding from local Primary Care groups, St Helens boasts six new local support groups, with plans for another six to be set up before the end of this year.

Jane Dearden, chair of the St Helens branch of CNA, said: "About four years ago we worked closely with the Health Promotion department on holding 'taster' days to give carers advice on things such as how to cope with stress. But although these were successful, we recognised that much more needed to be done, so, teaming up with the local Primary Care groups, we began an ambitious campaign to set up a number of localised support groups for carers".

To help set up the groups, a series of roadshows have already been organised, with six more to follow. These aim to provide an open forum for carers to go along and meet people from organisations that can provide help and support and to establish a formal and regular support group with other carers.

Carolann Bowers, of the St Anne's Carers Group in Sutton, said: "These support groups are beneficial in so many ways. They help carers to realise that there are other people out there, in similar situations, who feel as desperate and isolated as they do. It is invaluable for carers to be able to have the opportunity to talk to each other, and these support groups provide people with the chance to off-load their problems and frustrations with like-minded people who understand exactly what they're going through. These links with the CNA, Health Promotion and Primary Care groups mean that carers now have better means of accessing appropriate help and support".

As a result of their efforts, Jane and Carolann have been invited to lunch with Princess Anne, patron of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.