Every year, in Norfolk, hundreds of people are killed or seriously injured on the county's roads; today is the start of National Road Victim Month,

Charity Norfolk Carers has teamed up with Brake, the national road safety charity, to promote the support available to victims of road crashes and anyone caring for someone who has been seriously injured.

It comes as the country marks Road Victim Month, which aims to highlight the grim statistics surrounding the number of people killed on the road, stop these tragedies and remember the victims.

Susanne Anderson, from Norfolk Carers, said: 'When someone is seriously injured in a road crash it can suddenly throw a family member of friend into the role of a carer, not only having to deal with the physical injuries, but the emotional aftermath for the victim, and often for themselves too. It's very important that carers in this situation know that there is specialist support available specifically for them, right from the start.'

Helen Hargrave, director of victim services from Brake, added: 'Every day in the UK, on average five people die on roads and about 60 more are seriously injured, causing needless loss of life and inflicting terrible suffering. Brake is here to help stop these tragedies and support those left bereaved and injured. Brake encourages anyone bereaved or seriously injured by a road crash to contact our Helpline and access our support literature, and would encourage anyone in Norfolk who is caring for someone who is injured, to contact Norfolk Carers and receive specialist advice.'

Brake has a free helpline 0808 8000401, staffed by specialists, providing information and advocacy, emotional support for road crash victims and a range of support literature.

Norfolk Carers' free Advice Line offers a listening ear for carers and information on, for example: support when someone leaves hospital, practical help with caring including how to get medical equipment and help around the home, in addition to local bereavement and counselling services. They can be contacted on 0808 808 9876 or www.norfolkcarers.org.uk