Safer Pembrokeshire and Dyfed Powys Police have joined forces to make unpaid carers in Pembrokeshire aware of their rights, as this year's Carers Day gets underway today (Friday).

Run by Carers UK, Carers Day aims to find 'hidden' carers who don't realise they have rights, support them to claim what they are entitled to and inform them about legislation that protects them such as the Equality Act.

While Carers Day is aimed at all carers, including those looking after seriously ill or disabled people; Safer Pembrokehire and Dyfed Powys Police are keen that those who look after a family member or loved one with drug and/or alcohol problems, are aware that they are carers too and are entitled to help and support.

Alison Rogers, of Safer Pembrokeshire, said: "Many people don't get the support they need because they don't recognise themselves as carers, they simply think they are looking after a loved one. If you regularly provide care to someone in need of support, there are many ways in which you can find out about the help available.

"Society often stereotypes drug and alcohol misusers and this makes it difficult for both them and the people who care for them to seek help and support. Many individuals use drink and drugs as a coping mechanism for traumatic events and families can experience generations of substance misuse. The effects on those around them are significant, with parental substance misuse in particular having a serious effect on children."

Justin Morris, aged 29, is a reformed drug and alcohol addict, and has recently taken up post as a substance misuse service user involvement worker, covering Pembrokeshire and the Dyfed Powys area.

Justin said: "For some people their problems start at a young age due to a lack of parental guidance setting boundaries for acceptable behaviour. I've spoken to people who were introduced to drugs such as cannabis by their own parents when they were just six-years-old and they grow-up thinking drug-taking is normal.

"I was introduced to drugs at a young age and gradually my drug and alcohol use became more intense as I tried to block out all emotion and feeling. I turned to crime to pay for drugs and I was eventually sent to prison. It was then I knew I wanted to break-free from that destructive lifestyle. It's taken a lot of hard work but I'm now 'clean'.

"My advice to anyone caring for someone with a drug or alcohol problem is to offer them tough love.

"While, addicts love their families and friends their addiction means their primary concern is about their next high. Carers can offer support but they must also encourage the person with the addiction to seek support and help to overcome their problems," he added.

Detective Inspector Anthony Griffiths, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: "Officers are at the sharp end picking up the pieces following violence and crimes carried out by those involved in substance misuse. Their behaviour not only affects them and their families but society as a whole.

"We've been very successful targeting and prosecuting drug dealers in Pembrokeshire through Operation Poker and Picasso. However, to tackle the drugs problem in the long term society needs to address issues around demand for drugs.

"The only way to stop this downward cycle is to tackle the root cause of people's addictions. If you're caring for someone with these problems you can play a vital role in helping them to overcome their substance misuse. However, you don't need to do this on your own; you can seek appropriate help and support - it is out there you just need to take that first step."

For more information about Carers Day and the help and support for carers, please visit the Carers UK website: http://www.carersuk.org/Home">www.carersuk.org/Home; tel:029 2081 1370 or email: [email protected]">[email protected]