A SERVICE provided for carers by Kirklees Council Social Services has won national recognition.
Carers Gateway - based in Huddersfield - is recognised as an example of good practice in a recent publication, All our lives; Social Care in England, 2002 - 2003.
The publication was produced by the Social Services Inspectorate and the National Care Standards Commission.
It highlighted the involvement of carers in developing Carers Gateway and the carers' high praise for the service.
Three in five people will have a caring role during their life. There are an estimated 40,000 unpaid carers in Kirklees.
A carer is anyone who looks after someone who is ill, disabled or older and is a relative, partner, friend or neighbour.
This includes looking after parents, brothers and sisters.
Carers Gateway provides support, advice and information and access to services for carers throughout Kirklees, including outreach services.
Clr Sylvia Smithson, the council Cabinet member with responsibility for social services, said: "It's good to see local services get national recognition."
Since Carers Gateway began in 1999 it has been involved in organising events for Carers' Week.
This year, Carers' Week will feature the Health and Social Care Roadshow, calling at places throughout Kirklees from June 14 to 21.
Carers who would like to find out more should ring 01484 226050 or email carers.gateway@ kirklees.gov.uk
