We're stepping up the publicity now in a bid to attract as many carers as possible to our meeting on Friday. I'm particularly keen to attract hidden carers; those who really don't realise they are carers because they are just naturally caring for a loved one in their family.

Just because they are doing 'what comes naturally' doesn't mean they don't have a right to a life of their own, with time for relaxation and opportunities to follow their own interests and maintain a form of paid employment.

Carers' Rights Day is all about the dissemination of information. We shall have plenty available at our first meeting, so if you are a carer, or know someone who else, please spread the word. We can put up lots of posters or hand out lots of leaflets but nothing replaces the individual, human touch in making the first approach.