CARERS in the borough are being offered a free health check during National Carers Week (Monday, June 8 to Saturday, June 13).

The St Helens and District Branch of the Carers National Association wants to help all carers, people who give practical or emotional support to a relative, friend or neighbour who has a disability or illness. The organisation points out that no matter what type of care a carer may give, it is important that they don't forget their own needs. Caring can be a very rewarding business, but it can also be taxing, calling on reserves of emotional and physical energy, which makes it easy for a carer to neglect their own health and mental well-being.

As their contribution to Carers Week, St Helens and Knowsley Health are offering free health checks at their mobile unit in Church Square, St Helens. In addition, some of the libraries will be promoting carers groups and will be holding book displays during the week. The libraries involved include Newtown in Horace Street, Eccleston in Broadway, Newton-le-Willows in Crow Lane East and Central Library, Victoria Square.

To book a free health check, and for a chance to win a weekend break from caring, contact Diane Coysh on 01744 457225.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.