Steps are being taken to help gain access to support services for carers who dedicate themselves to looking after sick relatives or friends

Oxfordshire Carers Forum is linking up with doctors' surgeries across the county as part of the project, which co-incides with National Carers' Week this week.

Leaflets have been sent to doctors so they can help identify the health needs of carers who may be under stress or isolated.

Volunteers will then link up with seven surgeries to offer carers advice on support projects which are available to them.

In another initiative, 50 former and existing carers have volunteered to share their concerns and views with primary health care groups.

Pamela Potterton, manager of Oxfordshire Carers' Forum, said: "With their experience, carers could help to streamline services and improve morale among the public.

"Involving and supporting carers in the community means they will not feel isolated and undervalued.

"We think many more carers must be quietly getting on with the job without realising what support is available, which might make a difference to them.

"We believe our approach will lead to present carers being more able to cope, without becoming depressed or a burden on the health services themselves.

"Future carers will feel valued and very much needed members of society."

Oxfordshire Carers' Forum can be contacted on 01993 706543.