who have no choice By Angela Warhurst It's one of the most challenging, time consuming exhausting jobs on earth, yet there's no pay, little thanks and even less recognition.

In Bolton there are 26,000 of them and day after day they get on with their work, which is to care for relatives who are sick, elderly, disabled or have special needs. THROUGHOUT next week Bolton Carers Support Project will be highlighting the role of carers and working to raise the public's awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding caring.

For John, his name has been changed to protect his childrens identity, caring has been part and parcel of his life for more than 14 years. A father of two boys, aged 12 and 14, both with special needs, it is the daily role of providing complete, round the clock care which takes its toll.

John's 12 year-old son has profound learning difficulties which has left him with a mental age of 18 months-two years, he is doubly incontinent and suffers mobility problems.

His elder brother has complex learning difficulties which manifests itself in extremely impulsive behaviour which often lands him in trouble.

Both John and his wife dedicate their lives to the boys, occasionally they receive respite care for their younger son, but it is during the long summer holidays that they, like the hundreds of others such families across the borough in the same position need help the most.

"It's a question of being on duty 24 hours a day, never being able to switch off, it is that, plus the financial constraints we face which cause us the most problems," explained John.

Since the boys were born John and his wife have never had a holiday together, in fact they spend littler time alone, together.

As a members of the Carers Support Project advisory group, a member of Farnworth Gateway, John hears the views of the 400 other parents who need help to care with their children.

They are an estimated 80 respite places available for these 400 children which means the burden of caring often falls on the family.

"The joy I get from my boys is immense, despite their difficulties they do give us a great deal of pleasure, but it is hard work and it's relentless and people really do need to be aware of what I and many others deal with day after day," said John.

John's tale is not a unique one, with 26,000 carers across Bolton there are people of all ages looking after someone, very often a family member.

Despite the help of many carer groups across the borough, the daily slog of looking after someone often falls on those closest to them.

Many are coping in situations which can be eased and throughout this week people will have the opportunity to find out the help that's available to them.

On Saturday, June 14 there will be a carers information day in Victoria Square, Bolton from 10am-3pm.

The day will highlight the help which is available to people, how they can access social services and help.

For carer Mary who looks after her elderly parents, help from outside bodies is not something which neither of her parents feel happy to accept.

Although her mother is regarded as an "active" 89-year-old, the onus of caring when Mary's father has a fall, when he wakes at 1am imagining it to be time to get up, is Mary's.

With three children and three grandchildren, one of whom she looks after in the mornings, Mary has to ensure she visits her parents every day.

"It's a question of doing the shopping, cleaning the windows, the more difficult tasks which tend to fall on me.

"Although Social Services, the Health Authority and others want to help, it's very often the case that they can't because of your own situation," she explained. Having been married for 60 years, courting for 12 years before this, Mary's greatest fear is how they will cope when one of them is no longer there.

Holidays for Mary mean five days-Monday-Friday, not too far away.

Although her own children will step in she, like many others, does not like to transfer the burden of caring on to someone else.

Other events being held during this week, includes a social afternoon for carers on Tuesday, June 10 at Thicketford Community Centre from 1.30-3.30pm.

Carers will be offered the chance to sample aromatherapy, enjoy a free make over and relax.

On Thursday, 12, a play about dementia will be staged at Bolton Little Theatre at 3pm.

Places are available to carers.

"We're about identifying carers," explained Michelle Clarke, Carers Development Worker with Bolton Carers Support Project.

"It's about people out there who don't recognise that what they are is carers coming to terms with their role and getting as much help and support for them that we can.

"If people know they are not alone then very often that's a great source of comfort to them," she added.

Bolton Carers Support Project is based at the offices of the Community Volunteer Service, Pool Street, Bolton. Telephone Bolton 363056 for further help, information and advice. , June 8-15,

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