A series of online sessions is to be run for Brentford's growing army of people who have been forced to become carers during the pandemic.

Hounslow Council is running the information sessions for carers to support them during the crisis and the first takes place on Thursday 19 November from 1pm to 2.30pm.

The session will be led by Chris Jack, Head of Primary Care Development at NHS Hounslow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), on day-to-day healthcare and what to expect when accessing GP practices.

Dr Annabel Crowe, local GP and NHS Hounslow CCG chair, said: "We recognise and value how hard carers work and it is important that as a carer you take care of your own mental and physical health.

"Your GP surgery is open, so if you have a concern about yourself or the person you care for please don't wait, call the surgery or visit their website.

"If you care for a friend, family or neighbour I would encourage you to join these sessions if you are able. It's an opportunity to get information, speak to other people in similar situations to you and make preparations to stay well this winter."

Cllr Candice Atterton, Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health, said:

"Carers come from all walks of life and across different age-groups, with many children taking on a caring role for a sibling, parent, relative or friend. They may live together or miles apart.

"Caring for someone who needs extra support can be difficult at any time, but with the current coronavirus pandemic it is probably feeling a lot more worrying and stressful.

"If you are a carer, support is available for you, both locally and nationally, where you can get advice and support on practical things and be listened to.

"We encourage you to join our online information sessions which provide an opportunity for you to hear from a range of experts, access support and network with other carers."

Sessions will involve:

• Focus on a new topic each month –The session on 19 November is GPs and day-to-day healthcare and what to expect when accessing GP practices.

• To book your place and submit the questions you want answered at the session, email [email protected]

• Network with other carers who may be in a similar situation to you