CARERS from across Hampshire were honoured yesterday at a reception in Winchester's historic Great Hall.

More than 200 carers - many with people they care for - social workers and councillors attended the event as a chance for social services bosses to say thank you to them.

The carers make a massive contribution to the quality of life in the county, and social services would be hard-pressed without their dedication.

Groups from all areas of caring mingled with social services managers and councillors, talking to them about what it is like to care full-time without a break.

The clear message was that carers sometimes felt undervalued and isolated, but the event helped alleviate some of that.

Carer Frances Short, from Hythe, who looks after daughter Helen, 26, said of the day: "This is the first time we have come to something like this. Normally I feel quite isolated but it's wonderful that social services appreciates the work we do."

Sue Knight, from the Winchester and District Alzheimer's Disease Society, said it was good to chat on friendly terms about subjects because the society was not only a support group but also a pressure group.

All ages were represented at the event, including some young carers who often looked after their parents.

Michelle Brown, 15, from Stanmore in Winchester, looks after her father, who has a muscle-wasting disease. She is a member of the Young Carers Project.

She said: "Looking after my dad is something I'm used to. It's nice to be appreciated and it's nice they have thought about us and invited us along."

Director of Hampshire social services Terry Butler told the audience: "This is an opportunity for the county to give a warm thank-you for the wonderful work you do in Hampshire." He said the number invited was only a fraction of the 45,000 people in Hampshire on whom caring places a significant burden.

The county council is currently developing multi-million-pound plans to provide a grant for unpaid carers so they can take a break. The Take A Break grants will be worth £2.8 million over three years, and the council is asking carers how best the money should be used.

The council is also looking for more carers. It is short in all areas, even though it currently has 500 foster carers providing care for 600 children and 150 adult-placement carers who look after older people, the mentally-ill and people with learning and physical disabilities.

Commissioning officer for physical disabilities at the council Julia Clarke said: "We will provide support and training and we will also pay the carers."

Anyone interested in becoming an adult placement carer can call Julia on 01962 845514. People interested in fostering should call 01329 847609.

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