FREE counselling is being offered to unpaid carers across the district.

Carers' Resource is providing sessions either face-to-face, by phone or via video, with student counsellors.

The project is funded by the Barclays 100x100 UK Covid-19 Community Relief Programme.

Since the sessions were launched in January, help has been given to more than 30 carers.

Gurchehn Singh, counselling therapeutic co-ordinator at Carers’ Resource, said: "If you are a carer struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, anger, relationships, grief, health or more, counselling can help you explore your feelings around these issues. All sessions are confidential.

"Many unpaid carers are under immense mental strain. In supporting a carer to cope better, we can have a positive impact on their lives, and the person they care for."

The student counsellors are on placements from Leeds Beckett University and the University of Salford, and are working towards counselling qualifications.

Sessions are offered to anyone who is registered with Carers’ Resource and has been referred to the service.

Carers' Resource says feedback has been "very positive".

One carer was referred to the service due to stress and anxiety. Her husband suffered a stroke and has physical and memory issues.

A spokesperson said: "Mandy was suffering with grief for the loss of the life she knew. She had vivid nightmares, anxiety and low mood. She received eight online counselling sessions. Through these sessions she developed a better understanding of her experience and realised that it was OK to grieve for things she has lost.

"The counselling helped Mandy to realise the benefits of talking about her feelings instead of repressing them. Her sleep improved and she felt less weighed down by her problems."

Karen Swainston, Barclays' head of corporate relations for the northern region, said the bank was delighted to be providing support.

She added: "With the long-term impacts of the pandemic crisis still being felt, Barclays continues to play a positive role.

"By working with charities like Carers’ Resource, which best understand the needs of their communities, we can ensure help is getting into the heart of society.

"We hope that by partnering with incredible charities up and down the country, we can continue to help people in need as they emerge from the crisis."

For more about the programme, call 01274 449660 or email gsingh@carersresource.org.

Further details about Carers’ Resource can be found at carersresource.org, where people can also register with the charity.