EAST LANCASHIRE GPs are being urged to help identify carers who are missing out on vital support.

According to the 2001census, the area has more than 55,000 carers but experts say there could be thousands more.

A carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a friend, neighbour or relative who could not manage otherwise because of frailty, illness or disability. The figures include people who care for a parent or partner.

There are 26,665 carers in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, 13,991 in Blackburn with Darwen and almost 15,000 in Hyndburn and Ribble Valley.

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, which has a centre in Accrington, has released a report examining the relationship between GPs and carers.

And Kathleen Eastwood, manager at the Hyndburn and Ribble valley Carers Link Princess Royal Carers' Centre, said it showed GPs were not always fully aware of carers' needs and responsibilities.

She said: "This report highlights the need for primary care staff, in particular GPs, to help themselves by helping carers.

"Carers need to be viewed as key partners in community care as they save the health system time and money.

"Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust is in fact funding a three-year project with Carers Link to identify carers within GP practices and primary care."

Michelle Pilling, the project worker, said: "Identifying carers and finding ways of supporting them is not an option but essential for primary care. There are just under 15,000 carers in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley but that is just the tip of the iceberg.

"There are most definitely thousands more but there are many who don't acknowledge themselves as carers because they feel they should be doing things out of duty.

"GPs are well placed to spot the signs and rather than give them anti-depressants, we are asking them to give them our number.

"Carers often suffer from anxiety and depression but all circumstances are different and we can tailor a programme for individuals."

Recommendations in the report include a 10-point check list for GPs and primary care staff to identify carers. Carers Link can be contacted on 01254 387444.