CARERS across the district have called for more help in their daily struggle to look after people at home.

A report by support charity Durham Dales Action For Carers has highlighted the important role that thousands of carers in Wear Valley play and shown a real need for extra support.

A survey of carers in Weardale, Crook and Willington, found that the health of people who care for unwell, frail or disabled friends or relatives is affected by the constant demands of caring.

Almost all carers questioned spoke of feeling isolated, angry, stressed and emotionally drained and said complaints such as high blood pressure, arthritis and backache had got worse.

Carers told of losing their social lives, having no time for hobbies and missing appointments.

They also asked for extra training, advice and information about local services and specific concerns.

In a bid to provide the extra relief that many carers need, the charity has drawn up a three-year action plan.

It has called on support agencies such as social services and the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust to help to provide extra services and appoint a mental health worker and parent carer worker.

The newly established charity, formed by Teesdale and Wear Valley Carers Centres, wants to establish befriending and sitting services by 2006 to offer relief to carers.

It also wants to produce information packages and will consider launching a multi-agency roadshow to give first aid, nutrition and care advice.

Charity manager Geoff Kelly said: "It is important that we make every effort to care for the carers themselves.

"If their physical or psychological health deteriorates then it is bad for both them and the person they care for.

"Hopefully this report will encourage stronger links between the various relevant agencies and harness their efforts and resources to provide the practical and emotional support carers are telling us they need."