Did you know that every day 6,000 people across the UK become carers? Nationally the caring population numbers some 6.5million – that amounts to one in eight of us who provide unpaid care for family and friends.

Next week is national Carers’ Week, so it’s a good time to remind ourselves of this vital role which is often unseen and little recognised.

As we’re living much longer these days, caring will become increasingly relevant to us all.

You can find out about the wealth of services available for older people in the borough by visiting the website www.mycaremysupport.co.uk – the sooner these things are considered, the easier it is to plan and make arrangements.

Being a carer is challenging, which is why I also want to pay tribute to a small but growing army of local volunteers who often provide respite for the caring community.

Swindon Circles Of Support is an initiative which focuses on offering much needed social contact to isolated and lonely older people.

Volunteers commit to giving their time to help someone on a regular basis, which can be as little as 15 minutes a week to pop in on someone for a cup of tea and chinwag.

There are more than 100 people on board so far and we’re looking for more, as the number of referrals we receive increases.

The volunteers often underestimate the impact of their visit, which in some cases will be the only form of social contact the person they meet will encounter throughout the whole week.

It’s also worth mentioning how rewarding the volunteers find the experience too.

In giving up a relatively small amount of time, they see the huge difference this can make to someone’s life – whether it’s taking a walk together, going to the garden centre or helping with a household task.

More than the activity itself, it’s the social interaction which is most prized.

Loneliness and isolation are real problems in today’s society, where advances in technology have significantly removed the need and reduced the opportunity to both meet and talk to others in person.

Human contact is such a powerful part of life because it shows that we care.

These days it’s all too easy to stop visiting loved ones of all ages in favour of a phone call or email. Making the effort to see someone and take the time to really ask how they are can literally work wonders.

If you think you may be able to do this for others too, Circles Of Support would love to hear from you – visit www.swindoncircles.org.uk or call 01793 465401. Having heard from the volunteers, I can assure you the benefits are mutual.