Lack of sleep, performing care tasks and money worries are named as top stressors by unpaid carers.

Richmond is home to around 15,000 carers and during Carers Week the borough's carers were invited to York House in Twickenham for free Indian head massages, NHS check ups and well-being workshops.

Almost three quarters of carers in the UK have suffered mental ill health as a result of caring, according to new research released for Carers’ Week.

Carers’ Week is an annual campaign raising awareness of the challenges carers face and the contribution they make throughout the UK.

Melissa Wilks, CEO of Richmond Carers Centre said:“Caring for another person places huge demands on carers, and can negatively impact carers’ physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“It is important that we continue to raise awareness of carers and of the support available in the borough through events like the Carers Wellbeing Day so that more carers can access support earlier in their caring role, helping to reduce, delay or prevent the instance that carers reach crisis point or develop their own care needs.”

Cllr Piers Allen, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health said: “Carers are a hugely valued section of our community.

“They provide a selfless service in looking after family members and friends with a disability, illness or mental health problem who requires extra support.

“We want to encourage carers to take time to look after their own health and wellbeing and connect with other carers in the borough. I hope this event did just that.”