If you look after a loved one, a neighbour or a friend, who is ill, disabled or who just needs some extra support, you could be an unpaid carer. Whether or not you consider yourself one.

The Cornwall Carers Service is trying to make those who care for others more aware of the help they can get, including at a number of carers’ forums which are held around the county.

All carers are welcome at the forums, which give carers a voice about the services they receive and any concerns or issues which they may have, and expenses can be paid to enable carers to attend the meetings.

Chris Watkin, forum administrator, said: "These meetings are run by the Cornwall Carers Service and are a free service for unpaid carers that gives them an opportunity to discuss the issues they face and have their voices heard in a welcoming and confidential environment, with others facing similar problems.

"There are many people in our community who are unaware of the help they can get and who also may not recognise themselves as carers because they look after a loved one or friend.

"Staff from Cornwall Carers Service will be at the meetings, and will be able to give help and advice to carers, including making referrals to carer support workers (CSWs) who work directly with individual carers to help them with any issues they have, including signposting to benefits and services.

"Where issues can’t be resolved at the meeting or by a CSW, we attend various other groups such as the Carers Partnership Board and Healthwatch Cornwall and are able to raise issues for our carers to progress them forward."

The next meeting of the Truro Carers Forum will be held on Thursday, April 21 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm

in the Committee Room at Truro City Hall on Boscawen Street.

For further information contact Chris Watkin on 01872 243531 or chris.watkin@cornwallrcc.org.uk