Carers in Wokingham can find out about services and benefits they may be entitled to at a new local service run by the Princess Royal Trust Carers Service.

In addition to a drop-in service in Reading, the charity will be at the Brookside Surgery, Earley on Wednesday (March 19) when carers can drop by without an appointment to speak to a support worker.

Susan Iacobucci will be on hand at the surgery in Brookside Close, every third Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12 noon to offer advice and information to unpaid or family carers who are looking after a sick or disabled partner, relative, friend or neighbour who can't manage without their support.

Susan said: “Many people do not see themselves as carers. They think of themselves as family members or friends, which means they often do not realise there is help and support available to them.

“Our service gives carers the opportunity to find out about what can be done to support them in their caring role or even just to give people the chance to talk over their situation.”

People do not need to be registered with the surgery to attend.

The Carers Services also runs a Carers Support Group in Wokingham, where people can meet others in a similar situation. The next meetings will be on Wednesday April 2 and Wednesday May 14 from 10.30am-12.30pm at Wokingham Methodist Church Rose Street Wokingham.

The Princess Royal Trust Carers Service runs carers’ support groups, social activities, education and training courses, a confidential counselling service, a quarterly newsletter and advice and information on a whole range of issues related to the needs of carers and the needs of the person they care for.

For further information or to register with the service, please call the Carers Line on 0118 950 5177. The service is based at Cross Street, Reading.