Elderly carers launch help centre

Elderly carers in Oxfordshire are looking after themselves with a self-support centre for those with family who have learning disabilities. Run by volunteers, it provides services and information packs to keep carers from becoming isolated. They also have access to others at meetings held every six to eight weeks at various day centres. The group, which calls itself Older Carers Floating Support, aims to set up home-visiting services in the future.

Christine Witcher, the group's co-ordinator, said: "Many older people in Oxfordshire are struggling to cope and are not aware of what support they could get to help them care for their loved one. An older person dealing with their own ageing, who has the added responsibility of looking after someone with a learning disability is at greater risk of becoming isolated. The group aims to ensure that older carers have a say and are listened to."

Age Concern Oxfordshire will provide the free help packs for the group, and Oxfordshire County Council have offered free use of day centres.