A PIONEERING guide launched by a Maldon care home to help carers has been given celebrity backing.

St Peter’s Court, on Spital Road, teamed up with ten other care homes across Essex to produce the A Helping Hand guide.

The leaflet, backed by television presenter Ruth Langsford, was launched after a study of carers in the East found 70 per cent said they never or do not often ask for help and 57 per cent said they felt overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

The Care UK guide provides information on the rights of carers and the help they are entitled to.

Ruth said: “My mum looked after my dad for ten years as his primary carer before we sought help and a guide such as A Helping Hand would have provided some help and comfort for us at a difficult time.”

Maggie Ziemianska, home manager at St Peter’s Court, said it was important carers knew they could get support.

She said: “Caring for someone can be incredibly rewarding, though it can also be physically and emotionally demanding.

“We want to remind people that if they’re caring for an older relative or friend, it’s important to remember that they may feel isolated or overwhelmed at times - but this is natural, and they are not alone.”

Pick up a guide from St Peter’s Court or download it at careuk.com/helpinghand