More than 60 carers from the Western Trust area have attended a 'Valuing Carers – Carers' Support Day' in Lusty Beg, thereby providing an opportunity for those looking after someone to take a break from their caring responsibilities.

The event marked the start of Carers Week (9-15 June) and was a joint project involving both the Western Trust and the Republic's Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

With the theme, 'Carers can't afford to be ill', the event offered the chance for carers to sample a variety of complementary therapies, hear from a number of speakers addressing issues such as positive mental health, and meet fellow carers.

John McGarvey, Western Trust Assistant Director of Intermediate Care and Rehabilitation, described the response from carers this year as 'phenomenal'.

He explained that those attending the event were registered as carers with the Trust and that the Trust was keen to see more people involved in a caring role registering.

"The Western Trust', he added, " is reviewing how it engages with carers. It plans to establish a Carers Network Forum to ensure the voice of carers is integral to the planning and development of support services for both carers and service users."

If you would like to find out more about registering as a carer, and the support and information that the Western Trust can provide to you as a carer, contact Cathy Magowan, Carer Support Co-ordinator, on 028 66344163; email: Cathy.Magowan@westerntrust.hscni.net