3:30pm Saturday 30th May 2009 A Mitcham family has urged unpaid carers to reach out for vital support from a local charity.
Leigh and Trina Woods have four children. Mr Woods has severe osteo-arthritis and their youngest child has speech and language difficulties, so 11-year-old Troy and nine-year-old Lewis have to take on the role of part time carers for their dad and brother. The family are helped by Carer Support Merton (CSM), which offers advice and support for unpaid carers of all ages across the borough – from free therapy sessions to help claiming benefits and allowances. From Monday the organisation is set to run a series of events marking national Carers Week. The boys have to lend a hand with shopping, washing and looking after their dad when their mum is out of the house.
Mrs Woods said: