A SOMERSET care provider is taking all its staff out to lunch to celebrate Carers Week and to thank them for their hard work.

Bleadon-based domiciliary care provider Poppy’s Homecare is treating all its team members to lunch at the Post House Café, Bleadon.

Alistair Milton, managing director of Poppy’s, said: “At Poppy’s Home-care, we’ve always been proud of the commitment and enthusiasm of our staff but over the last few weeks we’ve had an exceptionally busy period and staff have gone to the extremes to ensure our quality of care hasn’t dropped.

“Some of our carers have even been working extra hours to continue caring for people in need of help and support.

“Every year hundreds of people take part in Carers Week, raising awareness of carers and celebrating the life-changing impact they have on people’s lives, so it’s the perfect time to thank our staff for all of their devotion.”

One in eight people in the UK currently look after an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend, and Carers Week has been established to make people aware of the support and services that could be available to help them.