Family Carers Ireland is a new organisation set up for family carers

A new organisation has been set up for family carers.

Family Carers Ireland will benefit over 200,000 people who look after family members.

It will provide 24 resource centres across the country, over 150 training courses and an extension of its freephone care line to seven days a week.

It is a result of a merger between the Carers Association and Caring for Carers.

Family Carers Ireland Head of Communications Catherine Cox has said the new group will have the best aspects of both: “Caring for Carers for example, have a nurse-led service where carers can call, speak to a nurse, get clinical and medical advice

“Whereas the Carers Association we would be very strong on the social side so we would provide respite, but we would also have information training,

“So we felt by bringing both organisations together, we are bringing the best of both.”