CARERS Careline, a Redditch based charity, is delighted to announce it is one of only four organisations in this area to have been shortlisted for funding by the Lloyds Bank Community Fund this year.

This sees themtaken forward to the public vote in September /October this year.

Redditch residents will be invited to vote for their chosen charity from the four selected, either online, by text or in the local Lloyds branch in the town.

Wendy Stokes, fundraiser at Carers Careline said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as we understand the competition was really tough this year. We are hoping Redditch residents will get behind us and vote to enable us to scoop the top award of £3,000. This amount will be invaluable to help support our work."

Carers Careline have been supporting informal and unpaid carers in Redditch who are over the age of 18 for the past 26 years by offering information and advice, signposting, training, social groups, events and activities, telephone support, drop-in, counselling and bereavement support. Many carers do not realise this is the role they have taken on as they are often caring for a family member or loved one and feel that it is their duty to look after them. Another common problem can be the feeling of isolation and not knowing who to ask for help.

The charity relies on funding and currently this is partly provided by The Big Lottery Fund, Redditch Council and trusts.

For more details on Carers Careline, call 01527 66177 or email info@carerscareline.co.uk. Its opening times are Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm and its office is in the Ecumenical Centre.