PEOPLE who care for loved-ones in Redditch and Bromsgrove are being urged not to neglect their own health this winter.

GPs at NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are urging carers to look after their own health so that they can continue their vital role caring for partners, relatives and friends who are ill, frail or disabled.

Dr Richard Davies, CCG chair and clinical lead, said: “Carers play a hugely important role in our community, enabling ill, elderly or disabled loved-ones to remain in their own homes and retain a level of independence.

“But sometimes the job of caring for others can be at the expense of your own health and wellbeing, which can often easily be forgotten when you are used to focusing on someone else’s needs.

“Carers do an incredible job in Redditch and Bromsgrove but they need to do what’s necessary to protect themselves and the people they care for against illness and stay well this winter.”

The NHS provide information to support carers, including details on allowances, benefits, caring for children with complex needs, young carers’ rights and a carers direct helpline.

Carers can also guard against flu by getting a free flu jab from a pharmacist or GP surgery.

Visit nhs.uk and click on the ‘Care and support’ for full details.

For more information on staying well this winter visit nhs.uk/staywell.