ACTIVITIES have been staged across the district to showcase and celebrate unpaid carers.

Charity Carers' Resource organised a series of events.

The programme was held to mark national Carers Week, which this year had the theme Putting Carers on the Map.

Over 45,000 people in the Bradford district are known to be unpaid carers looking after family members or friends – but the actual figure could be considerably higher.

Heidi Watson, chief executive officer of Carers' Resource, says: "We want to put unpaid carers on the map and ensure everyone knows about the pressures they face on a daily basis.

"The most recent census figures show there are over 45,000 people looking after relatives or friends in the Bradford district – and more than 13,000 in Harrogate, almost 8,000 in Selby and over 5,000 in Craven. Many of these people are providing over 50 hours of unpaid care for their loved ones every single week.

"In reality, these figures are likely to be much higher as many people do not recognise themselves as unpaid carers – they just see themselves as a husband, wife, parent or friend. But if you are looking after someone who could not cope without your help, you are a carer, and we are here to support you."

Keighley-area carers include 58-year-old Philip Smith, from Steeton.

He cares for his cousin, who has a mental health condition.

Philip says: "I’m his only remaining relative since his mum passed away from cancer. He used to have a care co-ordinator, who took him out and got him into a routine, but because of cutbacks he doesn’t receive that any more.

"I take him shopping and out at weekends, and help him clean his house and and work out his financial situation. It is tough and hard work because I’m having to deal with everything, but I love him to bits.

"My employer, British Hardwoods, has been fantastic. They allow me to take Fridays off to help deal with the situation."

Carers' Resource staged awareness-raising events in town centres and supermarkets, and activities including tea parties, coffee mornings and wellbeing sessions for carers.

The charity supports unpaid carers in the Bradford, Harrogate, Craven and Selby areas.

Provision includes one-to-one help, information, support groups, employment and training advice, planning for emergencies and maintaining health and wellbeing.

For more details, go to carersresource.org, email info@carersresource.org or call 0808 50 15 939.