CARERS who offer a lifeline to relatives and friends have been praised at a special reception marking their outstanding and selfless dedication.

Southend Carers’ Forum held a celebration event marking its tenth anniversary in the grounds of Porters civic house in Southend. The organisation gives advice and support to 1,300 carers registered in the town and also helps young carers.

At the gathering, Peter Stroudley, who has been chairman for ten years, stepped down and was presented with an award marking his contribution to the group.

Reflecting on his time as chairman, he said: “It has been an exciting period. We have created a high level of awareness and acceptance of carers over ten years, so they now command greater respect with the statutory authorites than they did.

“There are 16,000 carers in Southend, and they do about £225million worth of care every year – £14,000 each.

“We now put on about 108 support group meetings a year which makes a major contribution to reducing social isolation for carers – it is a lonely job being a carer.”

Mr Stroudley said he thought it was time for him to step down and let Angelina Clarke step into the chairman’s role.

He said: “I think it is time for a change.

“I am past my sell by date and I think new blood is needed.

“I was on the verge of outstaying my welcome.

“I have achieved a lot, but there is always the frustration of there never being enough money.

“The frustration stems from only being able to put our arms around a small proportion of carers – about 1,300 are currently registered with us.

“We would like to reach far more.”

Angelina Clarke, who has worked as a nurse for 21 years, cares for her 13-year-old son, who has autism.

She has now taken over as the chairman of the organisation after working with them for three years.

She said: “I joined as a parent carer. I came in, got some information, and went to a couple of support groups.

“I have been running trips and events.

“The forum is looking at a new direction, bringing us into the 21st century. There is good groundwork.

“With the financial situation there are lots of things we need to change in our structure.

“I am excited. It is going to be challenging. There is an awful lot of work to do, but I am excited and looking forward to the challenge.”

To find out more information about the carers’ forum, including meeting times, call 01702 393933 or go to www.southendcarers.co.uk