FORWARD thinking Warrington is forging ahead with plans to offer a sympathetic ear to the town's army of carers.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced a multi-million pound package to aid people who look after the elderly and handicapped.

But Warrington Carers' Link is one step ahead with a centre set to be opened in April to cater for the estimated 21,000 people in the area who look after a loved one.

It is hoped the carers' HQ, at Garven Place clinic, off Sankey Street, will provide welcome respite for selfless souls by offering vital information on services available to them.

Often people provide for the needs of relatives, according to Carers' Link chairperson Mary Barbour, without realising the assistance and respite care available.

Explained Mary: "These carers are looking after disabled and elderly relatives and providing a much-needed service. It would cost a fortune if the Government had to look after people like this and often they want to be cared for by someone in their own home.

"It can be very stressful looking after someone 365 days a year and carers need a break. There are also an awful lot of carers who do not know they are doing the job and do not realise the things they are missing out on".

The fledgling link group, which includes 40 individuals and associations, is keen to become involved with the Government initiative, says Mary, with Warrington addressing the issue already.

Carers' support worker Dianne Goodman, of Age Concern, added: "It will be a focal point for Warrington, which we don't have at the moment, taking the detective work out of looking around for information."

The centre, in premises donated by Warrington Community Health Care Trust, is designed as a forum for people in similar situations to meet up while being reassured their relatives are in good hands. Plans are still being finalised for the development but it is expected it will operate as a drop-in centre three days a week and be available as a base for care groups and organisations for the remainder.

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