A NEW group has been launched in Huddersfield to support older people who care for others.

The Carers’ Cuppa Club has been set-up on Keldregate, Deighton, to offer a lifeline to those who look after friends and loved ones.

The group meets every Thursday at Sundale House to give carers the chance to share their experiences and access help and information on issues including benefits and health services.

The charity Age Concerns runs the club, funded by Kirklees Council.

Service coordinator Lindy Jackson said: “Some of these carers are in their 80s and have enough on looking after themselves, never mind looking after others.

“But they do it with such cheerfulness and devotion.

“We aim to offer a wide variety of activities reflecting the interest of carers, as well as advice and information.

“People can become isolated so just having someone to chat to can sometimes be enough.”

The club – from 11am to 2pm – also offers carers the chance to enjoy fun activities as well as advisory sessions. They can stay for lunch for a small charge and transport can also be arranged.

The Huddersfield group was set-up after a similar scheme – Carers Take a Break – in North Kirklees proved so successful.

Betty Dawes, 69, of Dewsbury, said the group there had given her a lifeline as she cared for her husband with Alzheimer's disease.

She said: “It has been wonderful. You get to know all sorts of things you otherwise wouldn’t know such as what forms to fill in and what you’re entitled to.

“All that sort of information really helps.

“It is just somewhere to go that is for you. That is something you don’t get when you’re a carer and you feel a bit left out.

“You sometimes find your friends don’t want to know you when you find yourself being a carer.

“It has been a real lifeline to me.”

Anyone who cares for others is invited to go along.

For further information call 01484 559935.