I WAS interested, but not surprised, to read that carers in York are saving the NHS nearly £150 million a year (Evening Press, Thursday, May 2).

I was particularly struck by the comment that many carers don't recognise they are carers and don't know about the support available to them.

Giving a carer a break from their responsibilities is one of the best ways of supporting them.

A couple of hours away from the house on a regular basis, a holiday away from the situation knowing the person they care for is receiving the same carethey regularly provide, offers the kind of break carers need to keep going.

In Safe Hands, part of Age Concern York, has been supporting carers of older people in the city in this way for more than 20 years. If you are a new carer, or you know of someone who is - for example, visiting a parent every day - please contact us.

We have experienced, caring and trained volunteers who can help by taking a carer's place for as long and as often as the carer needs it.

Get in touch with us too if this is something you feel you could volunteer for. There are fewer more rewarding and satisfying ways of helping other people than this.

Mrs Monica Dunham,

Organiser, In Safe Hands,

Age Concern York,

Walmgate,

York.

Tel: 01904 627995/621020

Mon to Fri, 9am to 4pm.

Updated: 12:14 Thursday, May 09, 2002