Unpaid carers from across Norfolk and Suffolk are being invited to sign up for a free course to help them meet the challenges of caring for someone as they reach the end of their life.

The 'Caring with Confidence' sessions are being run by the Norfolk and Suffolk Palliative Care Academy in partnership with Norfolk Carers Support, The Carers Agency Partnership (CAP) and Suffolk Family Carers.

The courses take place at The Diamond Centre, School Lane, Norwich, starting on Wednesday, March 4; Connaught Hall, Station Road, Attleborough, starting on Thursday, March 5; the Louise Hamilton Centre, James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston, starting on Thursday, March 12; The Hyndman Centre, Bury St Edmunds, starting on Tuesday, March 17; North Walsham Community Centre, New Road, starting on Wednesday, March 18; The Burton Centre, Haverhill, and The Assembly Room, Town Hall, Downham Market, both starting on Thursday, March 19.

Maggie Parsons, project lead for the academy, said: 'This course has been specially designed to give unpaid carers all of the help and support they need to meet the needs of someone reaching the end of their lives.

'As well as emotional and practical advice, it will equip them with the techniques they need to cope at what can be an extremely challenging time. A variety of other help will be on offer, such as advice about finances and tips on other places they can go for further support.

'At the same time, the courses are a fantastic opportunity for unpaid carers to meet up with other people in a similar situation, share experiences and offer mutual support.

'We are delighted to be working with Norfolk Carers Support, The Carers Agency Partnership and Suffolk Family Carers to deliver Caring with Confidence and would encourage as many unpaid carers as possible to sign up to take part.'

The courses have been funded by Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils and developed in partnership with the Academy.

The programmes include six sessions and take place over a four-month period. More information is available at www.bereadyforit.org.uk/category/our-news/ with further sessions in Beccles, Ipswich and mid Suffolk following soon.

Alternatively, email advice@norfolkcarerssupport.org or call 01603 219924. For Suffolk courses, please call 01473 835420 or email wellbeing@suffolkfamilycarers.org.

Carers who need more help or advice, or would like to find out if they are eligible to book a short break so they can attend the course can call the free CAP helpline on 0808 808 9876. For more information, visit www.carersagencypartnership.org.uk