A NEW carers' centre named in memory of a Middlesbrough Football Club legend opened its doors yesterday.

The George Hardwick Foundation opened its third carers' centre in the main entrance to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton.

It will offer information, advice and support to patients, their relatives and friends, when they are first coming to terms with illness or disability.

Andy McMann, manager of the foundation, said: "We believe this will be the first time a carers' organisation has opened a comprehensive information and support service in a hospital."

The centre boasts an open-plan reception area, plus private, interview and complementary therapy rooms.

It will offer financial advice, so that carers can access all the benefits they are entitled to, and information on physical and emotional problems, respite care and care homes.

It will also provide personal support in the form of befrienders, small groups and counsellors, and has lined up a wide range of complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy.

Mr McMann said: "All the advice and information needed by carers and those they care for will be in the one spot. We hope people will just call in or be referred by medical and nursing staff.

"Everyone is welcome. It could be a temporary problem, such as a broken leg, or a longer-term illness.

"We will be there when people first realise they need support."

The charity's patron is Jennifer Hardwick, widow of the late Middlesbrough footballing hero.

Mrs Hardwick looked after her husband during his long illness, and knows from personal experience how isolated carers can feel.

There are about 19,000 carers in Stockton and 21,000 in Middlesbrough, and the foundation deals with 300 calls and visits each week.

Alan Foster, chief executive of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, said: "A person's illness can affect the whole family, particularly those members who are caring and supporting the person throughout their illness.

"We are delighted to welcome the George Hardwick Foundation carers' centre to the University Hospital of North Tees.

"It will be a valuable resource and will complement the work already going on in the hospital to support families and carers."