EVERYONE needs to do their bit to "care for carers".

That's the message from the chief executive of Carers' Resource, Chris Whiley.

She was speaking following publication of a national report which found that more than 80 per cent of carers felt lonely and socially isolated.

The Carers UK research revealed that those who felt particularly isolated were under-24s, carers for disabled children, people who care for 50 hours or more a week and those who look after loved ones alongside parenting responsibilities.

And carers who felt lonely were more likely than their peers to suffer mental and physical ill-health.

Carers' Resource supports 13,000 unpaid carers across the Bradford district, Craven, Harrogate and Ripon.

Mrs Whiley said: "The results of the research are not a surprise to us but we hope they will highlight this issue to the wider public.

"It found that, among other things, carers would feel less isolated if they had more understanding from society and their employer and were in touch with other carers.

"We offer a range of services that ease the pressure carers are facing. This includes more than 30 groups for carers to meet one another, have fun and offload. We have experienced staff who give advice, support and guidance, and our great volunteers help reduce carers' loneliness by calling for a chat.

"But this research shows everyone else also needs to do their bit and care for carers.

"Just asking someone how they are coping or if you can help in any way could make a carer feel valued and less lonely."

For more details about Carers’ Resource services, visit carersresource.org, e-mail info@carersresource.org or call 01756 700888.