A new carers charter has been introduced by the Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to set out what carers should expect from staff and services.

The charter, which is aimed at anyone who cares for a family member, partner, friend or neighbour, was unveiled at an event in Bolton.

Thousands of people in the area help others cope with mental health, alcohol or drugs problems, as well as disabilities.

Bolton Carer Demonstrator Site Project created the charter with help from carers and local voluntary groups with the aim of ensuring that carers` needs are met and there is enough support available for them.

Chris Taylor, Bolton Carer Demonstrator Site Project manager, said: "There are many people who care for someone with little family support or contact with organisations who can help.

"Carers of people with mental health problems often feel alone, in despair and not listened to, but they have an important insight into the people they care for.

"Our aim is to involve carers in decisions about our service user`s recovery.

"We want to listen to carers and their experience as without them the NHS and social care services wouldn`t be able to function. Our carers charter has been developed with carers to set out what`s important to them and what they need to support the people they care for. We have also developed this into training for staff to help them work more constructively with families and friends of our service users."

Copyright ⌐ Press Association 2011