HEATH and social care organisations from the borough have shown their support for carers.

Wigan borough's Health and Wellbeing Board signed the Greater Manchester Carers Charter at its last meeting to work together to provide more help to carers.

The board is made up of health organisations and the local authority and the charter is being led by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.

Wigan Council cabinet member for health and social care Cllr Keith Cunliffe said: “We recognise the vital role carers play in our communities and want to ensure they are getting the right support.

"They spend their lives diligently caring for other people but often their own health needs are not always met.

"There also might be people who have been supporting a family member, friend or neighbour and don’t recognise themselves a carer- we want those people to know there is support available for them in the borough.”

The board are aiming to ensure carers are identified in Greater Manchester and have better access to health checks and GP appointments.

They are also invited to stay fit and healthy by taking part in activities has well as being supported by employers in policy developments and being trained to be "carer aware".

Plans are in place to help young carers or young adult carers to develop their education.

The board has also received an update on the annual "Carers Conference" held by Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre and commended the work taking place in the borough.

Dr Tim Dalton, GP and chair of NHS Wigan Borough CCG said: “Adopting this Charter shows our real commitment to the health and wellbeing of our local carers.

"Local GP practices work hard to identify carers so that they can offer them extra support, including regular health checks, alternative appointment times and free flu vaccinations.

"We now need to expand on this work so that all carers get this support and understand their health and wellbeing is important to us too.”