A disability charity has launched a new centre for the Lowestoft area which will provide support to family carers who would like to start work again.

The Care Hub in London Road South in the Kirkley area will help carers by offering them training and support to help them get back into paid work.

Run by the Papworth Trust, the hub is a free daytime and evening drop-in centre and is aimed at people aged 55 and over and whose caring responsibilities have meant they have had to take a break from work.

Based at the Papworth Trust Waveney Centre, The Care Hub will offer training courses in health and social care, which will feature modules on medication, food hygiene, fire safety and the principles of person-centred care, in a bid to help carers get back into employment.

It will also provide carers with financial advice and information on benefits.

Tony Evans, care hub manager for the Papworth Trust, said: 'Older carers often experience financial difficulties and can become isolated and marginalised.

'The Care Hub will make a big difference to people's lives. It will given them the opportunity to get back into paid work.'

Initial funding for the Care Hub was provided by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales as part of its £1.2m funding programme for older people's issues.

Jude Stevens, grant manager at the foundation, said: 'This grant will enable Papworth Trust to provide a much-needed service to support older carers who are living with financial difficulties.

'This investment is crucial and comes at a time when funding for the vulnerable sector of our society is being cut.'

The Papworth Trust supports disabled people so they can have equality, choice and independence in their lives. It works with more than 20,000 people a year in the east of England, including helping them to live in adapted homes, learning new skills and finding jobs.

It has merged with the Crossroads Care Waveney charity in Lowestoft, which supports nearly 200 families a year by providing support to carers.

Anyone interested in the services offered by the The Care Hub at the Papworth Trust Waveney Centre should call 01502 574570 or email info@papworth.org.uk