Pick up this week’s paper to read the latest in the Recorder’s series of interviews with Havering carers.

Crossroads Care Havering, based at the Victoria Centre in Romford’s Pettits Lane, was founded in 1993 and is now affiliated to the national Carers Trust. The charity supports about 300 unpaid carers with respite care, help at home, advice and information.

It also campaigns to improve recognition for carers, as many feel society does not acknowledge caring as a full-time job – even though it can be a 24/7 commitment.

Scheme director Kathy Verges says the charity is receiving new calls all the time but still has a lot of work to do.

“From national statistics, we know we aren’t reaching anything like the number of carers that live in Havering,” she said. “Carers don’t always like to label themselves as carers – they see themselves as parents, children, husbands and wives. We prefer to ask people: ‘Have you got a caring responsibility?’

“Carers save the NHS �115bn a year. Without them, the state wouldn’t be able to cope.”

If you would like to contact Crossroads for advice or support, please call 01708 757 242 or visit www.crossroadscarehavering.org.uk.

The Recorder published on Friday (October 12) contains interviews with Thomas Butler and Tracy Layton, two carers who have experienced at first hand the importance of the charity’s work.