MORE than 15,000 homes across Warrington have registered unpaid carers.

That's according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics as part of its 2021 census findings.

There are 15,133 households in the town that has at least one unpaid carer.

Worryingly, however, is the number of those households that do not have access to a car or a van.

According to the ONS, almost 10 per cent of these households cannot access a vehicle.

1,387 homes with unpaid carers in Warrington do not have a car associated with their home.

It goes without saying that this is a serious barrier to the quality of life of residents, and a barrieWr to carers looking to provide the high-quality of care that their relatives deserve.

According to Warrington Disability Partnership: "A carer is anyone who cares/supports, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.

"Anyone can become a carer; carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age."

The partnership continues to say that there are around 20,000 unpaid carers in Warrington, across these 15,133 households.

Put into context, this means that roughly 10 per cent of Warrington's residents are now unpaid carers.

As a percentage, there are slightly more unpaid carers in Warrington without access to a car than in Cheshire West and Chester - 9.2 per cent of Warrington's unpaid carers, versus 9.1 per cent of those in Cheshire West and Chester.

There are a number of organisations and services on offer to provide help for carers in Warrington.

The disability partnership says: "Warrington Adult Carers: Information and support, drop-ins, newsletter, emergency card, counselling and support.

"Tel 01925 987010, email: Warrington.Carers@wired.me.uk

"Warrington Young Carers: Not everyone who is a carer is an adult, some children and young people aged under 19 look after relatives.

"Young carers might do shopping, help with washing or dressing, or undertake housework.

"They spend time looking after a parent, a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a brother or sister."