Boots and Day Lewis have launched support services for those providing unpaid care for friends and relatives, to coincide with Carers’ Week 2009 (June 8-14).

Day Lewis PCT co-ordinator Catherine Reid (left) and cluster manager Pam Cook are pictured with Ronnie Corbett.

Day Lewis representatives joined comedian Ronnie Corbett at the opening of Carers’ Week in Croydon, to relaunch the company’s Care for the Carer support service.

The service provides an “open door policy” for carers at five Day Lewis pharmacies in the Croydon area, allowing them to take advantage of 20 per cent off healthcare and toiletries purchases, free health checks and advice on administering medication.

And Boots teamed up with Darling Buds of May star Pam Ferris to launch its free Caring Made Easier pack, containing products and information to help carers to better look after themselves and those in their care.

The pack will be piloted in Bournemouth Boots stores, given out in return for free vouchers available from Bournemouth Borough Council. Boots then aims to roll the packs out nationwide.

Bournemouth Borough Council carers co-ordinator Debbie Hyde said: “Letting carers know a pharmacist can help is useful. New carers, in particular, often don’t know about the wide range of pharmacy services on offer.”

More information, advice and support for carers can be found at Carers Direct on the NHS Choices website.