The money will fund a project to identify and support 'hidden' carers in deprived areas of Brighton and Hove.

Carers can remain unidentified for a number of reasons.

These include stigma attached to the illness of those they care for, lack of confidence, knowledge and time to look for support and benefits.

Also, poor basic skills in language and numeracy can prevent people from understanding service provision and filling in claim forms.

The Big Lottery Fund grant will help the Carers Centre to create community support groups and activities to raise awareness and understanding.

As today was Carer’s Rights Day, the Centre was holding a special event at the Friends Meeting House on Ship Street, where carers could meet with others doing similar work and meet with groups offering advice and support, such as Brighton’s Money Advice and Community Support (MACS) service.

Pictured left – right: Fiona Dempsie, Head of Region (South East), Big Lottery Fund; Caroline; Chris Lau, Director of the Carers Centre