A grant of £46,810 to West Norfolk Carers means it can continue to support unpaid carers across the region.

Eastern Daily Press: Jane Evans, chief executive West Norfolk Carers. Picture: Matthew Usher.Jane Evans, chief executive West Norfolk Carers. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Among them is Chey Charlesworth, who gave up his job to care for his 84-year-old mother Valerie, who has vascular dementia.

Mr Charlesworth, 48, from Stoke Ferry, said he was reliant on the support he gets from the group.

He said: 'Without it I don't know how I would have coped. I'm not trained in dementia care or the most patient person in the world. The support they provide is invaluable.'

Jane Evans, chief executive officer of West Norfolk Carers, said that without the grant over two years from Lloyds Bank Foundation, the services they offered to carers would be restricted.

'It will safeguard the valuable work we do and means we can continue to go out and support carers in rural Norfolk villages who need one-to-one support or advice.'

The charity, which is based at Thoresby College in King's Lynn, has 10 members of staff and the new funding will pay for a new support worker.

Paul Streets, chief executive officer for Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: 'As highlighted in research, small and medium-sized charities have been hit hardest by changes to public funding, yet at the same time, demand for their services has risen.'

Has funding saved a vital service your group offers? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk