The Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove, which offers vital support for people in the city who are caring for a partner, relative or friend, have named Caroline Lucas MP as a Patron.

Caroline said: "Having seen firsthand the incredible work done by the Carers Centre team to support and advise local people who find themselves in a caring role, I am delighted to have been named as a Patron.

"We know that carers often don't get the support they need from the authorities, with many not being fully aware of what services or welfare they are entitled to.

"By providing the knowledge they need to make important decisions, the Centre is effectively empowering people to take some control over their own lives."

The Pavilion MP continued: "The organisation also does some great work in promoting public understanding of the challenges faced by carers, and in identifying the ‘hidden' carers in our communities who are often struggling in silence to manage impossible workloads."

ENDS

PHOTO CAPTION: Caroline joined Fiona Dempsie from the Big Lottery Fund and Chris Lau, Director of the Carers Centre, in December to celebrate new funding for a project to identify and support 'hidden' carers in deprived areas of the city.