CARERS UK will be holding a National Carers' Week from June 9-15 with the theme of Carers Can't Afford to be Ill'.

Portland Carers' Support Group will be marking the week by being present at coffee mornings in Easton Methodist Hall on Wednesday, June 11, Thursday, June 12, Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 when they will be providing an information table of interest to all carers.

Co-founder of the group, Mrs Carenza Hayhoe said: "We hope to spread the word about what Carers UK do and what our local group can offer."

"We already have 19 members and, because it can sometimes be difficult for carers to get out, we aim to keep members informed by sending out a summary of each meeting so that they don't miss anything of interest."

There is no subscription required to belong to the Portland Support Group and at present, membership of Carers UK is also free.

Another great benefit to carers who may be desperate for a few hours respite is the Help and Care Sitting Service and the number to contact for this is 0845 4500 418.

The Portland group meets at 10.30am on the last Monday of each month at Community 2000 in Straits and at the next meeting on June 30, when application forms to join Carers UK will be available, local historian Stuart Morris will be giving a talk on Portland, the Isle of Fascination.