PEOPLE who look after family members, friends or neighbours can often feel isolated due to lack of support.

This week, as part of National Carers Week, Cornwall Council has been highlighting the range of support available for people who regularly look after someone.

All carers are eligible to request a Carers Assessment from Cornwall Council, which could result in extra support in the form of a personal budget, having a short break from your caring duties, help to return to work if you want to, and much more.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults, Rob Rotchell, said: “We know there are around 60,000 people in Cornwall who undertake caring duties and they provide a very valuable service. Sometimes people don’t even think of themselves as a carer, they think they just look after someone”

“It’s extremely important that all carers are supported to carry out their role and they don’t get burnt out. A Carers Assessment can make sure they are getting all the support they are entitled to, as well as putting them in touch with other services in the region.”

Making sure carers are supported is one way that Cornwall Council aims to help people in Cornwall have better health outcomes, it said.

As well as an assessment from the council there is also a range of support on offer from Kernow Carers Service. They provide a wealth of information and guidance on all matters.

Kernow Carers Service is also celebrating and recognising carers with a series of events for Carers Week taking place across Cornwall, including a pottery workshop in Bude, a boat trip in Padstow and a party in the Minack Theatre.

Find out more about these events and other services from Kernow Carers Service on its Facebook page, or call on 0800 587 8191.

There is more detail about getting a Carers Assessment and more services on the council’s website.