SURREY and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is holding a free ‘supporting carers’ event next week.

It will be held at the Princes Hall in Aldershot next Wednesday, November 16, from 10.30am-1pm.

The Trust, which provides mental health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services across Surrey and North East Hampshire, is inviting carers and the people they care for, as well as members of the public, to join governors, members of the Trust and staff for a morning of interactive and informative carer-related sessions.

Stephanie Forster, director of marketing and communications, said: “Many carers underestimate the vital role they play in a person’s life, and some are unaware that the support they provide qualifies them as a carer.

“By holding events such as this, we want to promote the work of Surrey and North East Hampshire’s carers, as well as provide support and signposting to resources that will help them in their essential roles.”

Statistics released by Carers UK have estimated the value of care provided by the nation’s unpaid carers as £119bn per year. It also estimates that by 2037, the number of carers in the UK will increase to nine million.

The event will be hosted by professionals from Surrey and Borders Partnership, including consultant psychiatrists and recovery coaches, and there will be a presentation on the work health and social care services are doing to help carers in North East Hampshire.

The Red Cross will be holding a session on delivering first aid for people with mental health problems.

There will also be an opportunity to explore a number of stands, find out more information about support available within the community, and to ask any questions you may have.

To book a place, call 01372 216158 or 07775 220205, or e-mail [email protected].