PEOPLE who care for the elderly and disabled in Notts have been urged not to "suffer in silence" and take advantage of £1.7 million designed to support them.
The money is expected to be approved by Notts County Council's adult social care and health committee on Monday.
Most is being supplied by the NHS to bolster the £4.4 million a year the council already spends on helping carers.
Some is expected to be spent on support workers for carers of people with dementia.
It will also help create a new service aimed at carers looking after the terminally ill.
Carers already benefiting from support are encouraged others to ask for help if they needed it.
Newark woman Sarah Robinson, 41, helps to look after her 68-year-old mother, who has emotional difficulties.
A care worker visits twice a week.
Mrs Robinson said: "It is difficult to admit you need help but there comes a point where you have to seek support for your own well-being.
"A county council worker reminded me I'm not just a carer – I'm also a parent, wife, colleague and friend. The list goes on but you can forget that you have other responsibilities.
"It is good to hear more funding is being given to support local carers and I would encourage any carer not to suffer in silence and seek help if they need it."
Areas to benefit include Newark and Sherwood, Mansfield, Ashfield, Gedling, Rushcliffe and Broxtowe.
Around £150,000 would be used to expand services for carers at the council's six care and support centres in Retford, Carlton-in-Lindrick, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Gedling, Boughton and Newark.
Dad Marek Melges said supported living had been vital for him as he looked after his son Christopher, 40, of Edwinstowe, who has Downs Syndrome.
He said: "He has the freedom to do what he wants and when he wants to do it. It also allows my wife and I to have a life of our own. We still look after him at weekends and are available in the week if needed."
