A CHARTER underlining a commitment to carers’ rights has been backed by Worcestershire authorities.

Unpaid carers from across the county attended a special event at County Hall on Friday (3) organised in recognition of their contribution to individuals and communities.

It marked the launch of Worcestershire’s new 2010-2014 Carers’ Strategy and a new Carers Charter, which were both officially signed by representatives from the county council, NHS Worcestershire and Carers Action Worcestershire (CAW).

The strategy details the organisations’ intent to support carers who look after friends, neighbours or relatives in need, while still retaining their own quality of life, and the charter describes what carers can expect from the support services available to them.

Philip Gretton, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “I was really pleased to see so many carers from across the county at the event.

“It gave us an opportunity to let them know how much they are appreciated and show them that we are committed to providing the best possible support and advice to them in doing this work which, in the current economic climate, is absolutely invaluable.”

Peter Pinfield, non-executive director of NHS Worcestershire and chair of the Carers Consultative Group for Worcestershire, said: “Carers do a wonderful job and are entitled to enjoy a good quality of life themselves.

“This four-year strategy is aimed at improving the whole outcomes and experiences for carers and will require a commitment and action from all the agencies that provide care services in Worcestershire.

“There has been some excellent joint partnership work in producing the document and this needs to continue across Worcestershire’s health and social care economy.”