Butterflies, boxes and beautiful birds were created in an art workshop at Peace Hospice Care as part of National Carers Week.

The afternoon of art was just one of the activities planned to reach out to carers.

This nationwide focus on carers this week aims to raise awareness of the growing number of people who care for a disabled, ill or frail relative or friend and offer support and advice.

Statistics reveal there are 6.5 million carers in the UK, one in nine people combine work with caring and every day 6,000 people take on new caring responsibilities.

This huge unpaid workforce of care often gets unrecognized and unsupported, but National Carers Week aims to reach out to the thousands of carers in the UK who are currently missing out on services and support.

In May 2014 Peace Hospice Care organised a "Pampering Afternoon" offering massage and manicures, complementary therapies and relaxation time to carers.

The exercise was repeated today. The group workshop and a morning of art took place throughout the week.

Practical advice was  also available for carers, signposting and offering information on carer's passport discount cards which give discounts on shopping, relaxation, dining and entertainment.

Peace Hospice Care Senior Social Worker Doreen Pattenson said: "Being a carer can be demanding and confusing. Carers also need support. During National Carers Week we have been reaching out to carers offering advice and five days of group activities that provide important 'me time'."