(CARERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is now known as CARERS UK)

'Supported by Community Fund, LOTTERY FUNDED.'

West Lancashire Branch Carers Centre,
Hillside Health Centre,
Tanhouse Road,
Skelmersdale. WN8 6DS

Tel / Fax: (01695) 735420. E-Mail:centre@westlancscarers.co.uk

West Lancs Carers Helpline: 0800 174 877

What is a Carer?

A Carer looks after a member of the family, partner or friend in need of help because they are ill, frail or have a disability. The Carer is unpaid.

Who we are and what we do

We are a voluntary organisation covering the whole of West lancashire. Our aim is to support, assist and to give information to Carers, both on an individual basis and in the form of printed information.

The branch was formed some 13 years ago, with just a few carers. Since that time we have extended and developed the work we undertake for carers, and our membership now totals 500. It is run by unpaid volunteers, all of whom are carers or former carers, and know something of the problems and isolation that carers can, and very often do face. We are part of a National Organisation CARERS UK.

We operate a small Carers Centre, which was made available to us by the South Lancashire Health Authority. We have a helpline for carers to assist with problems and to offer a 'listening ear'. We publish a quarterly Newsletter, and hold meetings both formal and recreational. We appreciate that not all carers can, or would wish to attend meetings: our purpose is to support carers in whatever way we can.

Membership of the branch is free to all carers within West Lancashire, as are all our Newsletters and meetings. We do occasionally make a small charge to those people who are cared for, and former carers, for some outings.