THE NHS in Dorset is supporting Carers Week from June 13-19 by promoting the rights and benefits of people who may not even class themselves as carers. This year’s theme, The True Face of Carers, calls for greater recognition of those who give up their time, money and health to provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

Gay Pearson’s life looking after horses in the country changed overnight nine years ago when her father had a stroke and she became a carer to him and her mother. Since her father died two years ago, her mother Joyce, now 90, has become less independent.

“Mum is incredibly bright and sociable for her age and didn’t really see herself as someone who was cared for, although I was giving her daily support,” said Gay.

“When she was in hospital and I was feeling the strain, an occupational therapist told me that I was a carer and there was support available to me.

“It was a while after that when my GP told me I should put my name on the carers’ register in the GP practice. I’d seen the posters on the wall telling you to register but never thought it applied to me. I was just a daughter helping her mum.”

Shortly after registering, Gay was invited to join the carers’ group that runs every month at the Lilliput surgery.

“We have tea, cakes, and there is usually a speaker. It’s very helpful to meet up with other people who are caring,” she said.

“Now all the doctors at the practice know that I am a carer it really helps when either of us has problems with our health.”

Val Mitchell, carers development facilitator at NHS Bournemouth and Poole, said: “Many people caring for relatives and friends on an unpaid basis don’t see themselves as carers. This can mean they don’t get services or benefits they are entitled to.

“I want to encourage anyone who looks after someone else to register as a carer at your GP practice; doing this allows the staff to tell you how to find what help is available to you.”

She added that registration remained confidential to the practice.

Actor Sir David Jason, who has caring experience himself, said: “Carers Week is a time when hopefully a carer doesn’t feel quite so alone. It is a week to answer questions about finances, respite and healthcare issues.”

• To find out about Carers Week events across Dorset, visit bp.nhs.uk. To discuss your own caring situation, ring Val Mitchell on 01202 541578 for Bournemouth and Poole or 01305 221016 for the Dorset adult access team.