UNPAID carers have the chance to be recognised for the selfless work they do  in an awards scheme run by Hillingdon Council.

Residents are invited to nominate an unpaid carer, or a school that supports young carers, for their carers’ recognition scheme celebrating the valuable contribution they make.

Nominees will be invited to an event in May where they will be presented with a framed certificate by Carers' Champion Councillor Becky Haggar.

Councillor Philip Corthorne, cabinet member for Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “The Carers’ Recognition Scheme is not only meant to thank our carers for their role in the community, but also to raise awareness of who is a carer.

"Carers often don’t see their caring responsibilities as something they should be proud of, but they should be.

“It is also an opportunity to remind them that they are not alone. The council offers advice and support to help them care for their loved ones."

Many carers often simply see themselves as a family member or friend helping a loved one and often look after others because of their age, illness, disability, mental health concerns or drug misuse.

Submit a nomination by next Thursday, March 31, online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/crs or on a paper form found at local libraries.