Carers are the unsung heroes in many households. It is their commitment and dedication to caring for their loved ones which is propping up the NHS and saving the Government millions of pounds each year.

Carers, many of whom are young children, sacrifice their independence and freedom to look after disabled, frail or ill family members who would otherwise not be able to live at home.

An army of care assistants, run by Oxfordshire County Council's social services department and several charities, support carers in this county in their work, in particular helping them wash and dress their loved ones.

They provide a vital support role for carers whose devotion means it is possible for people in need of care to be looked after in their own homes rather than moved into residential care.

Social service budgets cannot provide the full support needed by carers and the people they are looking after so weekly payments for the service provided by care assistants must be made, according to your income.

However, even with support once or twice a day, it is on the shoulders of the nation's uncomplaining carers that the bulk of the burden as well as the responsibility falls.

Statistics show more than 6,000,000 people are currently caring for a relative, friend or partner in this country. Life is tough on both emotional and physical levels, with significant numbers of carers being forced to stop caring because of illness or injury, often brought on by the strain of the care they are providing.

Muscle strain, stress and depression affect countless carers each year as they try to shoulder the burden themselves. But for years many have bravely battled on, grinning and bearing the pain because they feel they have nothing to complain about in comparison to the person who so relies on their help.

It has only been in the past few years that the strain carers are under has started to be recognised. Until now, their efforts behind closed doors went largely unacknowledged by the outside world.

Over the years respite care has become much more widely available. For example, youngsters with life-limiting illnesses can be offered respite care at east Oxford's children hospice, Helen House, and adults can go to one of several residential homes across the county for care if the need arises.

An appeal is currently under way to raise £4m to build Douglas House, which will offer respite care for young adults with terminal illnesses aged between 16 and 40.