A PARTNERSHIP is being set up to provide carers with a help and support network.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the country the pilot project, which will be launched later this month, will provide a voice for carers in the Easington District.

Easington Primary Care Trust (PCT), Easington District Council, Peterlee Town Council, East Durham and Houghall College and various carers' organisations have formed the Easington Carers' Collaborative which will be launched on November 26 at the Vane Tempest Welfare Hall in Seaham.

Acting PCT chairman Robin Todd said: "Easington probably has more carers than any other district in the country and it is vital that issues they are facing are brought to the forefront and addressed.

"Carers play a very important part in our community and deserve as much support and advice as possible.''

Patient and Public Involvement co-ordinator Liz Allan said: "The intention of the group is to raise the profile of carers in the district and hopefully to form a robust forum, which will inform the delivery and development of services throughout the Easington area.

"It will also address the social isolation of carers by holding regular free events. This will be a real partnership working with the statutory and voluntary agencies.''

The event is free to any carer in the district and anyone wanting any more information can call Karen Smith on 0191-587 6001.